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AEYE Health Expands Epic Integration for Portable Fully-Autonomous AI Eye Screening Across the US Healthcare System
/PRNewswire/ -- AEYE Health, the leading company in retinal diagnostics and developer of AEYE-DS, the fastest growing solution for diabetic eye exams in the...
Looney’s Amphitheater announces 2026 entertainment lineup following venue revival
Looney’s Amphitheater Complex and Cultural Center, nestled in the heart of Bankhead National Forest, is marking its return as a live entertainment destination with a full slate of concerts and […]
What to Know About Skimo, the 2026 Olympics' Only New Sport
Ski mountaineering makes its debut at the Milano Cortina Winter Games
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
David Faustino saying he talks to 'Married With Children' costar Christina Applegate often as she lives with MS
Former 'Married... With Children' star David Faustino says he and Christina Applegate, who played his older sister on the Fox sitcom, speak often.
Photographers rally to help brides after Raleigh wedding photographer suddenly closes
Dozens of brides were left feeling jilted after their wedding photographer, Holly Christina Photography, announced it ceased operations.
A Business Case For Looking Beyond The Usual Suspects Of Content Creators
Social Setting founder Christina Westley delivers under-the-radar content creators with quantifiable ROI to CMOs tired of overpaying for reach that doesn’t convert.
AFEELA Studio Beverly Hills Celebrates Grand Opening, Showcasing the Future of Mobility with AFEELA 1
Sony Honda Mobility of America celebrated the grand opening of AFEELA Studio Beverly Hills on Saturday, January 17, marking a major milestone for the AFEELA brand in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Due to open in spring, St. Charles’ Fox Haven Square aims to be entertainment destination for east side
With the grand opening scheduled for spring, the $22 million Fox Haven Square development in St. Charles is quickly transforming from long-imagined to fully realized as a destination for dining and entertainment.
Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics
Tampa Bay sports fans get good news, and the James Fishback-Christina Pushaw fallout leaves both looking foolish.
No. 1-ranked OT Jordan Seaton announces transfer destination
After a long and eventful recruitment, former Colorado Buffaloes OT Jordan Seaton has finally announced his commitment to the LSU Tigers.
Gov. Tina Kotek brings business leaders to the table to jump-start Oregon’s economy
The governor's push to spur economic growth comes months ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Women in Business: Riverstone Wellness
Founders Kristina Schafer and Christina Holliday take a personal approach to wellness that builds a partnership between provider and patient.
Dream Garden | Happy Panda indoor entertainment Osorno
New destination in Chile offers a multi-zone fun for the whole family
Oregon's Prosperity Council holds first meeting to boost local business, grow state GDP
Oregon’s new Prosperity Council met for the first time Thursday as Governor Tina Kotek reviewed their goals of growing local businesses, increasing the state’s
AMP Sports Joins Athletes First as Official Media Partner of "The Block" During Big Game Week in San Francisco February 5–7
AMP Sports to connect athletes, fans, and brand partners through live podcast programming and fan-forward events and activations Baltimore, MD- January 22, 2026 — AMP Sports, Sinclair’s premium sports media brand, will serve as the official media partner of Athletes First’s The Block, the premier hospitality and content destination of Big Game Week, taking place...
Team USA announces Ski & Snowboard participants for 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games
Team USA announced the names for its Ski & Snowboard teams for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games on Wednesday.
Vonn, Shiffrin and Kim headline US ski and snowboard team for 2026 Olympics
Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin and Chloe Kim lead a 97-athlete US Ski & Snowboard roster for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics
Wrap the Karin Everon RS in the New Mosh Mosh Livery
The Karin Everon RS (SUV) was already oversized and overpowered. Now add ‘over-the-top’ to that list by wrapping it in the brand new Mosh Mosh livery, available now from any Vehicle Workshop.
Gov. Tina Kotek has a plan to boost Oregon businesses, but challenges remain steep
Lawmakers and business leaders in Oregon have argued the state's tax and regulatory landscape is too harsh for businesses. Gov. Tina Kotek has signaled she wants to change Oregon's business reputation.
The Val di Fiemme is transformed into a large cultural and entertainment stage for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games
Concerts, exhibitions, DJ sets, fan parades and cultural events: the complete programme that will liven up the valley during the Winter Games.
Fiorentina fans remain idiots, earn season-long travel ban
As usual, a few smooth-brained morons had to ruin things for everyone else.
Former sports reporter Michele Tafoya files to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota
Michele Tafoya is seeking the open seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
Discover Your Next Premier Office Space at Erie Station Business Park
Voice of Business Blog Guest post from Greater Rochester Chamber member Konar Properties Class A office space now available at the Williams Mill Office Center, located in Erie Station Business Park in West Henrietta. Home to over 15 leading companies-including Rivian, CooperVision, ADT, DDS Companies, and more-this location is a proven destination for innovative and…
Pinterest adds new chief business and marketing officers
The C-suite shakeup comes as Pinterest repositions itself as a global AI-driven shopping destination, primarily for Gen-Z users.
Christina Pushaw’s ‘delete everything’ text to James Fishback triggers public records concerns
The dispute highlights murky boundaries between politics and governance.
Miami eyes massive $3B sports economic boost as Trump expected to attend college football championship
South Florida's ultimate sporting events lineup for 2026 delivers billions in economic impact, positioning Miami as the premier sports tourism destination.
Severed alliance: Christina Pushaw befriends, advises James Fishback ... then regrets it
Will the outspoken native survive this misstep politically?
Today’s Papers – Farewell to Commisso, Inter run away, Juventus’ blow
La Gazzetta dello SportFarewell to Rocco CommissoViola heartFiorentina lose their president: ‘We’ll play for him.’ From Calabria to the USA, from TV to football.Antognoni: ‘He gave us a lot, i...
A health-care destination
There has been plenty of activity on the Crystal Bridges campus in Bentonville with the expansion of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, along with the opening last year of buildings housing the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine and Heartland Whole Health Institute. Two miles east of downtown Bentonville, there's a separate 100-acre campus that might prove just as exciting.
Sphere Entertainment, the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies Announce Intent to Develop a Sphere at National Harbor
National Harbor, Maryland Would Become Second U.S. Location For Sphere And First To Utilize Smaller-Scale Venue Design Model Project Would Receive Approximately $200 Million In State, Local, And Private Incentives Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR ), the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, and Peterson Companies announced today their intent to develop a new Sphere venue – which would be the second in the U.S. and first to utilize a smaller-scale design model – at National Harbor, a premier destination in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The addition of Sphere would create a new Maryland landmark that drives significant economic, cultural and community benefits for the County, State, and region, and provides unparalleled immersive experiences powered by advanced technologies. “Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities,” said James L. Dolan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Entertainment.
Colorado’s wolves in the political crosshairs as Trump targets the state
A program to reintroduce the predators is essentially blocked, with Colorado leaders saying the state is being punished for jailing election denier Tina Peters.
Lemley, Giaccio Podium at Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel at Waterville
Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes Liz Lemley and Olivia Giaccio went two-three at the Intermountain Health Freestyle Cup presented by Stifel at Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, stepping on the podium in front of friends and family in the last Azerbaijan FIS World Cup before the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
Arlington Heights to Springfield: Pass megaproject bill or wave goodbye to Bears
Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said the Bears' request for stadium property tax certainty is a reasonable ask from a franchise proposing the largest private development in the state's history.
These genes were thought to lead to blindness 100% of the time. They don't.
New research finds that retinal diseases thought to map one-to-one to genetic mutations are more complicated than that.
Redefine Breaking and Entering in GTA Online’s New Mansion Raid
Flex your combat skills in one of Los Santos' bougiest zip codes in Mansion Raid. Use heavy-duty weaponry and explosives to infiltrate a luxury property and make a multi-stage descent to the basement vault to extract the gold — or fend off the would-be...
In Argentina, Trump Tests Whether Money, Not Force, Can Win Over Latin America
In a region reeling from US intervention in Venezuela, Buenos Aires is one place Trump has used his power to help a friend.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek taps Republican rival to boost business relations
Tim Knopp, a former state senator from Bend, will join Kotek’s administration.
Cortina mayor talks Winter Olympics challenges, costs, sliding track controversy and more
Gianluca Lorenzi has received death threats and grappled with economic controversies in the midst of Olympic planning.
Fabio Paratici: Tottenham sporting director to leave club just three months after returning
Fabio Paratici to leave Tottenham and join Fiorentina at end of transfer window, three months after returning to north London club; Paratici saw out two-and-a-half-year ban before being named joint sporting director in October
Fabio Paratici: Tottenham sporting director to leave club just three months after returning
Fabio Paratici to leave Tottenham and join Fiorentina at end of transfer window, three months since returning to north London club; Paratici saw out two-and-a-half-year ban before being named joint sporting director in October
Little T’s Mini Golf & More named 2025 Entertainment Venue of the Year
What started as a dream inspired by a coffee shop in North Carolina has become one of the Twin Lakes area's favorite family destinations. The Mountain Home Observer has named Little T's Mini Golf & More the 2025 Entertainment Venue of the Year for its commitment to affordable family fun, community fundraising and inclusive employment. Scott
This day in history: Before Spokane was an entertainment destination, some blamed union salaries
From 1976: Was the local stagehands union causing entertainment acts to skip Spokane?
How US politics is affecting international travel
As tourism to the US plunges because of perceived risks, some travellers are now second-guessing whether it's safe to visit destinations Trump has recently threatened.
5 things to know about Helena Moreno as she becomes next mayor of New Orleans
Moreno will be the first Latina mayor of New Orleans. Watch our video to learn more.
Helena Moreno and the New Orleans Comeback Everyone Is Watching
Facing deep financial and political challenges, the new mayor — a former Latina journalist — is betting New Orleans can still recover.
Andrea Bocelli will headline the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic opening ceremony
MILAN (AP) — Crossover tenor Andrea Bocelli will be among the headline performers for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Feb. 6, joining the previously announced pop diva
Lee County health officials warn of intestinal bacteria in the water at Lynn Hall Memorial Beach
Water-quality testing in Southwest Florida occasionally reports high concentrations of enterococcus bacteria, which are found inside the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, similar to the spike in the bacteria discovered off Fort Myers Beach this week.
We’ve finally found the mental ‘brake’ behind procrastination | BBC Science Focus Magazine
A pesky “motivation brake” may control when we can be bothered to do something, and when we’d rather put it off.
Tampa named top 5 for business headquarters | FOX 13 Tampa Bay
A life-saving business is eyeing Tampa as its new United States headquarters. It comes after Tampa was named a top destination to set up business headquarters by a Site Selection survey. FOX 13's Danielle Zulkosky reports.
Switzerland loads Olympic roster with NHL talent for Milano Cortina
Team Switzerland announced their roster for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, headlined by Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators.
Claim a Free Hands On Car Wash Property and Get 3X Rewards on Legal Money Fronts
Start the year off right by keeping your nose clean while bagging laundered GTA$ through a sophisticated network of legit businesses. Play GTA Online anytime through January 14 to claim the Hands On Car Wash for free from Maze Bank Foreclosures — the...
VENU Expands Multi-Venue Partnership with Aramark Sports + Entertainment
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., January 08, 2026--Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or the "Company") (NYSE American: VENU), owner, operator, and developer of premium live entertainment destinations, and award-winning food, beverage, facilities, and retail services provider, Aramark Sports + Entertainment ("Aramark") have expanded their partnership, originally announced in June 2025, to include two additional multi-seasonal venues and an additional equity investment in VENU. Under the strengthened agree
How did Branson, Missouri, become America's capital for conservative entertainment?
A new book explores the cultural impact of Branson, Missouri, a tourist town that inspires devotion and disdain in equal measure. Long known for wholesome, family-friendly entertainment, the Midwestern destination has become a stage that showcases today’s cultural and political divides.
Lazio 2-2 Fiorentina: Match report
The Viola scrape a point off the Aquile with a big assist from the referee.
Suter Latest Blues Player Named To Olympic Roster
Forward To Play For Switzerland, Joins Binnington, Parayko (Canada), Broberg (Sweden) Named To Play In 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics
Celebs descend on New Orleans for Fan Expo 2026: John Cena, Hobbits, Christina Ricci and more
With Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin all visiting for the convention, LOTR-themed events are popping up, including a DJ set with Elijah Wood.
Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris to headline Austin festival
The event will take place at Auditorium Shores on March 13 and 14, with 16 performances on two stages throughout the weekend.
PENN Entertainment announces new corporate structure, eliminates 2 top executive positions
PENN Entertainment operates 42 gaming destinations across the U.S.
The new science and business of oral biologics
Biologics are built for precision. The gastrointestinal tract is built for demolition. Between stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and the physical barricade of the intestinal wall, most large molecules do not merely struggle to get absorbed. They get dismantled.
Creepy-crawly science that matters
Written by Douglas C. TowneWhen Karen Clark was a child traveling with her grandfather, the late ASU Professor Herbert L. Stahnke, she didn’t realize how unusual their evening routines were.“When we arrived at our destination, we always hunted outside for scorpions that glowed under our black light,” says the retired nurse. “It wasn’t until later that I learned that normal people didn’t do that. But scorpions were my grandfather’s passion.”
Vogel vows 'partnership over politics' as new Erie County executive
Christina Vogel was sworn in as Erie County's eighth county executive, pledging to improve relations with employees, County Council and residents.
Six Flags Qiddiya City, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s first destination outside North America, is now officially open
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia’s first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 31 by welcoming guests from across the Kingdom…
2026 sports calendar: A month-by-month guide to the biggest events of the year
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 takes centre stage in February, followed by other major events including the FIFA World Cup and Commonwealth Games
Ambitious entertainment destination in Peoria abandoned
A high-end entertainment destination that was planning to bring an elevated experience to the P83 Entertainment District in Peoria has been abandoned, the owners recently announced in a news release.
The politics of asylum: How local exposure reshaped UK voting
The UK has seen a sharp rise in asylum applications since the Covid-19 pandemic. This column examines how exposure to asylum seekers affects voter behaviour. The authors find that increases in dispersed asylum seekers – who are provided with accommodation but cannot choose their destination – lead to a sizeable rightward shift in local election outcomes. While migration has become more salient for both of the UK’s main political parties, only Conservative MPs appear to effectively channel local discontent, helping explain why these rightward electoral shifts occur despite little observable change in public attitudes.
Ômo by Jônt is helping make Central Florida a foodie travel destination
The Orlando area is drawing tourists who don't just want coasters and Mickey Mouse. They want good food too.
Six Flags Qiddiya City, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation's First Destination Outside North America, is Now Officially Open
/PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia's first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 31 by...
‘Rot in hell’: Trump post reignites feud with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis over Tina Peters
Heading into the New Year, President Donald Trump said he would like Gov. Jared Polis and others in Colorado to “rot in hell.” The object of the president’s ire is Tina Peters, the former Mesa County clerk convicted of state crimes for a data breach at his office. Polis, along with other Colorado officials, has defended […]
Massive 49,000 Sq. Ft. Entertainment Destination Set To Open Second Maryland Location
Round1 Bowling & Arcade is coming to Wheaton Mall with plans to open a massive 49,000-square-foot entertainment complex, bringing one of the country’s fastest-growing arcade and bowling concepts to Montgomery […]
Patriotism tests loom for big business
Economic nationalism makes it harder for multinationals to navigate the world
Las Vegas ranked as top moving destination
Las Vegas has been ranked in the top 10 for 2025’s leading moving destinations.
Construction begins on new Post Falls food and entertainment venue
POST FALLS, Idaho – Construction is underway for a new food and entertainment destination in Post Falls.
New science points to 4 distinct types of autism
When Marc and Cristina Easton’s son was diagnosed with autism at 20 months, the Baltimore couple left the doctor’s appointment in confusion. Their toddler - who was very social - didn’t resemble the picture of the condition they thought they knew. And the specialists could offer little clarity about why or what lay ahead. It wasn’t until four years after their child’s diagnosis that the Eastons finally began to get answers that offered them a glimmer of understanding. This summer, a team from Pr
New science points to 4 distinct types of autism
When Marc and Cristina Easton’s son was diagnosed with autism at 20 months, the Baltimore couple left the doctor’s appointment in confusion. Their toddler - who was very social - didn’t resemble the picture of the condition they thought they knew. And the specialists could offer little clarity about why or what lay ahead. It wasn’t until four years after their child’s diagnosis that the Eastons finally began to get answers that offered them a glimmer of understanding. This summer, a team from Pr
I went from consulting to being the CEO of Pittsburgh's airport. Here's what passengers don't see.
Christina Cassotis went from consulting to the CEO of a major airport. Here's how she got there and what passengers don't see.
Bruins Labeled Top Trade Destination For Veteran Forward
The Boston Bruins find themselves in the middle of their worst stretch of hockey in the 2025-26 campaign, as they have lost their last four games, with their two most recent defeats seeing them lose 6-2 to both the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens. Still, the B’s remain in the thick of the playoff hunt […]
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
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