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Prisco's Family Market celebrating 100 years of business in Aurora
Prisco's Family Market in Aurora is marking a major milestone, celebrating 100 years in business after surviving challenges ranging from the Great Depression and World War II to natural disasters and the pandemic.
Telecast Fiber Systems: 2026 Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Awards
Geese shred Hollywood Forever (and Dodger fan egos) at their three-night stand in L.A.
Cameron Winter had one last knife to twist for the Dodger faithful in the audience at Hollywood Forever on Thursday night.
North Star Sports and Entertainment Network to broadcast 14 Minnesota Men’s Hockey matches
The North Star Sports and Entertainment Network, in partnership with FOX9, will broadcast 14 regular-season Minnesota Men’s Hockey matches during the 2026-2027 season.
Gaston’s science department launches rock collecting project
By Caylie Moore, Features Editor Since the beginning of the school year, Gaston High School students have been working on a pen pal project — but don’t underestimate the point of this assignment, Features Editor Caylie Moore cautions. This project is no ordinary exchange of simple letters, nor unnecessary busywork for a drawn-out English class, […]
Modern Science: An Ohio University researcher is looking into how the chemicals in plastic are attaching to our bodies
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — New research out of Ohio University focuses on developing chemical tools to study and manipulate protein-to-protein interactions. Knowledge gained from this research can be us
Top global climate science body suspends meeting without deal on major review timeline
By Sudarshan VaradhanA meeting of the members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was suspended without an agreement on a timeline to publish its next review of the latest science on the warming planet, the IPCC said on Friday.The impasse over the timeline, which has lasted near…
‘There Should be a Game Award for Hot Dads’ — Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Devs Are Fully Aware and Loving the ‘Horny’ Fanart for Their Game
The developers behind Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse are enthusiastic about the “horny” fanart they’ve seen of the game’s characters, saying they specifically made them "hot" to appeal to fans.
Arkansas Department of Health confirms first flu-related death of 2026-27 season
The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed at least one influenza-related death during the current flu season.
Breast cancer advocates push to end out-of-pocket costs for screenings
Breast cancer leads cancer deaths in young women
From bowling alley handyman to business mogul: GOP candidate shares his American Dream story
Florida congressional hopeful Joe Strada explains how he built a half-billion-dollar business, why he entered politics and what matters more to him than money.
Tre' Harris to miss Week 6 because of injury
Chargers WR Tre' Harris set to miss at least one game because of his hamstring issue
Emerald Bay Camping & Marine Science Adventure
NAC Avalon Ocean Club embarked on its first-ever overnight camping adventure down the coast to Emerald Bay. This marked the farthest and longest our young ocean warriors have ventured from Avalon as a team, and what an incredible 24 hours it was. What started as an idea became a reality through an amazing collaboration with […]
Candy, breakfast and sushi: 5 North Central Austin business updates
Read about business updates in North Central Austin, including Urban Egg, Tarrant Roofing, Komé, Lammes Candies and OutYouth.
Trump's team is in chaos as midterms enter final stretch
A White House that has enjoyed relative stability over the past two years has returned to a state of disarray that characterized much of Trump's early political career.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 7.1 rolling out for Pixel
Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 7.1 today a week after the last preview for Pixel devices. This small update...
Vail turns up the volume for winter entertainment this season
With the first snowfall on Vail Mountain’s peaks this week and snowmaking efforts underway, anticipation for winter is building fast. This season, Vail is raising the bar with its most ambitious music lineup yet, bringing more live music, more venues...
Danaher, Nvidia Combine Lab Instrumentation and AI to Advance Autonomous Science
The partnership is part of broader efforts at Danaher to provide AI-powered solutions that help scientists make discoveries faster.
The Leap Second Has Been Canceled
Earth’s rotation subtly changes the length of the day. Now our clocks won’t change with it — at least not for a very long time.
Boutique, Hawaiian BBQ: Check out 9 business, restaurant updates in central, East McKinney
Discover nine businesses now open, coming soon and expanding in central and East McKinney, including Cafe LaFaye, Grace+Emma and Ono Hawaiian BBQ.
Bastrop looks to boost business in historic downtown
Bastrop officials propose requiring at least 60% of ground-floor storefronts in the Downtown Historic District be used for customer-facing businesses.
Packers RB Josh Jacobs to be removed from NFL's commissioner exempt list, will be eligible to play Week 7
Jacobs was arrested for domestic abuse last May and was placed on the list ahead of the season.
What Makes Your Cannabis Business Buyable Right Now?
It’s a fraught question for many operators: How attractive is my business to potential buyers in the current market? M&A experts offer 5 characteristics buyers are seeking for entrepreneurs considering or curious about their businesses’ potential in an exit. Plus, 5 ways to make your business more attractive to buyers.
All Lancaster County health systems will soon use same software for patient records
All major health systems in Lancaster County will be using the same online portal for health records by Nov. 2, allowing caregivers to access records with patient consent regardless of
Annapolis boat shows bring big sales to City Dock businesses
This year’s boat shows are the first fall shows since the City Dock project started in November. One restaurant said last Saturday was its “busiest day in history.”
VRE7 TV, a Red-Carpet Entertainment Network, Opens Casting Call for Fans, Creators and Industry Insiders
The independent network pairs its celebrity interview archive with on-camera takes from fans in the new VRE7 Front Row documentary series.
Castlevania's Most Iconic Song Should Chain Whip Me To Death, Not Put Me In A Thousand Year Sleep
The Belmont's Curse version of "Bloody Tars" is more restrained than it should be
Measles cases nearly double last year's high. See where cases are up
Cade Cunningham has a message for those doubting the Pistons
Detroit hopes to repeat its success from last year.
NFL World Reacts To Eagles’ Joe Milton Addition From Cowboys
Since the Philadelphia Eagles are going to be down a quarterback on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the team added some depth at the position. The Eagles dipped into the bag of the Dallas Cowboys, scooping up their practice squad quarterback Joe Milton. Over the past two years, Milton has been one of the NFL’s […] The post NFL World Reacts To Eagles’ Joe Milton Addition From Cowboys appeared first on HEAVY.
Measles cases spike by 37 in the past week
Lancaster County’s measles cases continue to climb with 37 new cases in the past week, the highest rise in people sickened with measles in a seven-day period since early September.
How Rockmaster Entertainment Group tailors DJ services to every single need on Coast Live
Marshall Everett, VP of Entertainment for Rockmaster Entertainment Group, shares how the company helps create memorable events of all kinds with professional service, flexibility, trust & dedication.
Sen. Susan Collins struggles to name a time she stopped Trump
TULSA HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOST 10TH ANNUAL NORTH TULSA COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Tulsa, Okla. — [Oct. 16, 2026] — The Tulsa Health Department (THD) will host its 10th annual North Tulsa Community Baby Shower on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free come-and-go event will be held at the YMCA Gym at TCC Northeast Campus, located at 3727 E. Apache St. Parking for […]
Joy Behar calls some past “The View ”cohosts ‘mean girls,’ reflects on Meghan McCain feud
The longtime host said that the current roundtable is “very good.”
New RPG From Final Fantasy, Persona Vets Borrows From The Past To Ask How We Can Save The Future
Eternal Anima finds surprising strategic depth in letting you foresee your opponent's next move
Football Obsessions Impact Productivity and Health for Fans
Learn how football obsessions impact productivity, how to safely deal with football fandom in safe ways. Manage being a football fan with grace.
Mayor Johnson’s campaign cash dips below $380,000, while frontrunner Giannoulias has $19 million on hand
The freshman incumbent has just $379,471 in the bank — yet another indication of his struggle to raise money for the uphill reelection bid he announced last month.
Building the Business Beat from the Ground Up
With the U.S. economy facing the most complex and fast-changing environment in recent history, the business beat has never been more vital in newsrooms tasked with distilling a constellation of forces for local communities. Costly tariff policies, labor crises tied to immigration enforcement, and breaks in the global supply chain are testing both local businesses...Read More
M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Promotes Conall McAteer to UK Executive Creative Director
October, 2026 - M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has promoted Creative Director Conall McAteer to the newly created role of
Trump casts doubt on press secretary Katie Zacharia's future
Trump said he'd spoken to Zacharia and that he felt she didn't deserve what he called negative media coverage.
In sickness and health: Husband and wife share powerful breast cancer survival stories
One local couple is making sure both women and men know the warning signs of breast cancer.
In sickness and health: Husband and wife share powerful breast cancer survival stories
One local couple is making sure both women and men know the warning signs of breast cancer.
Trump says press secretary Katie Zacharia should ‘reconsider’ her role
“Maybe it’s not for her,” President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday, saying that he would ultimately leave the decision to Zacharia.
Trump casts doubt on press secretary Zacharia's future
"I told her, 'I think you're better off being happy,'" Trump said
Microplastics Have Been Linked With Myriad Human Health Problems. Scientists May Have Finally Figured Out How They Harm the Body
Lab experiments suggest that tiny bits of plastic can react with water inside us to produce highly reactive molecules. They can lead to damaging oxidative stress and inflammation
Microplastics Have Been Linked With Myriad Human Health Problems. Scientists May Have Finally Figured Out How They Harm the Body
Lab experiments suggest that tiny bits of plastic can react with water inside us to produce highly reactive molecules. They can lead to damaging oxidative stress and inflammation
‘Magic Mike’ Star Shares Graphic Photos From Secret Health Battle
The actor, whose marriage to Sofía Vergara ended during the 7-year struggle, says he lost 60 pounds in just a few weeks.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 Is Not The Disaster You’d Imagine
Modern Warfare 4 is the first Call of Duty since 2013 to launch on a Nintendo console. We played the campaign on Switch 2 and were pleasantly surprised by its performance.
Meta Terms Taking Effect Oct. 30 Let It Scrape Business Websites for AI Training
Meta's updated commercial terms, effective October 30, let it crawl websites tied to business accounts and use the content to train AI…
Kristi Noem quietly moves to her third job in Trump administration
(CNN) — Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has quietly moved into a new role at the State Department after her special envoy status expired last month.
Vegas Has the Pistons 10 Wins Below Last Season’s 60
The Pistons won 60 games last season, and Vegas set their new win total 10-plus games lower. #Pistons
Breast Health Day 2026: Why Early Detection Matters and Why Screening Cannot Wait
Breast Health Day 2026: Why Early Detection Matters and Why Screening Cannot Wait / Breast Cancer, breast cancer awareness, breast cancer awareness month,
Cook Political Report moves 11 more House races toward Democrats
The election prognosticator says more races are becoming competitive in traditional GOP strongholds because of voter frustration with the economy.
Small Business Administration loans approved for Aspen Acres Fire
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Colorado's request for disaster assistance loans following the Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer Counties, Gov. Jared Polis announced Friday.
Shrek 2 Remastered Microsoft Store page appears
A Microsoft Store page for the unannounced Shrek 2 Remastered developed by Aspyr has gone live.
Artificially Infused exhibition to move forward at Brazosport Art and Science Center
Art lovers will have an opportunity to experience the inventive works of photographer Charles Jesse Miller Jr., who died unexpectedly last month.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Shrink Their Hollywood Business as Layoffs Hit Archewell Productions
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been quietly cutting staff at Archewell Productions. “They cut staff over the last 12 to 18 months,” an insider told Page Six on Thursday, October 15. Th...
Ben Hollingsworth says 'Virgin River' is 'apple pie entertainment'
The 42-year-old actor credited the success of "Virgin River" to the fact that "it is a comforting show," which he compared to "a warm fuzzy blanket, or a hug."
'Avatar: Seven Havens' episode 5 is chock-full of 'Last Airbender' Easter eggs
Plus, a treat for Korrasami fans!
LaMelo Ball Gives Timberwolves New Way to Use Rudy Gobert
The Minnesota Timberwolves have already seen how quickly a physical defense can disrupt actions built around Rudy Gobert's screens. Against Detroit, that pressure kept Minnesota from finding the offensive rhythm it had established against New York. LaMelo Ball Gives Timberwolves New Way to Use Rudy Gobert For a team with major ambitions, the problem extends …
This week in health care policy: October 8–15, 2026
Innovation watch Merck expects faster production of its personalized cancer vaccine. CEO Rob Davis told CNBC the six-week turnaround for intismeran autogene, built from each patient’s tumor and paired with Keytruda, will shrink over time. In August, Merck and Moderna reported that the vaccine delayed recurrence and spread in a 1,137-patient Phase 3 melanoma trial, […]
Blue shift: Yet another political forecaster shifts CD 25 race in Jared Moskowitz’s favor
‘The race doesn’t appear to have tightened, so we’re shifting it.’
Lane Johnson's mental health advocacy may be the newly retired Eagle's most lasting impact
The star lineman made it more acceptable for men to acknowledge emotional distress and ask for help by opening up about his own depression battle.
Video: Zara Larsson Won’t Abandon Her Politics for Fame
Zara Larsson refuses to censor her political beliefs for money or fame. The Swedish pop singer has spoken out on issues like abortion rights and Palestine, and she shares with Popcast why she refuses to sacrifice her integrity no matter how lucrative the opportunity.
Nick Sirianni: Jalen Hurts' health is our concern, not going to get into details
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni repeatedly declined to discuss quarterback Jalen Hurts' health today, a day after the Eagles announced that Hurts will miss Sunday's game because of a blood clot.
Gaza malnutrition and starvation at ‘catastrophic’ levels: Health Ministry
Shawnee business honors first responders with pancakes and gratitude
EnviroTech Heating and Cooling owner James Gallet said the idea started last year when his daughter suggested hosting a breakfast for the community’s first responders.
Fastest Warming Congressional Districts Where Politician Is Funded By Fossil Fuel Industry
The midterm elections are less than a month away, and 35 seats in the U.S. Senate, as well as...
CD Projekt Red Says Paramount Cyberpunk Film Will Not Retell the Game
CD Projekt Red's joint-CEO says the Paramount live-action Cyberpunk film will tell a new story in Night City, not a one-to-one retelling…
5 NFL Stars Who Need to Get Back on Track
5 NFL stars who need to get back on track in 2026, including Justin Herbert, Saquon Barkley, C.J. Stroud and more.
Health officials warn mosquito-borne illnesses confirmed on Gulf Coast
We're taking a look at what these illnesses are, where they are being reported and what's being done to stop the spread.
Robots could boost US manufacturing as America races to keep pace with China, expert says
A Path Robotics executive told FOX Business that automation will be critical to expanding U.S. manufacturing as worker shortages persist and China moves faster to adopt robotics.
Health officials warn mosquito-borne illnesses confirmed on Gulf Coast
IN-DEPTH WITH SARAH WALL: A warning from health officials about several mosquito-borne illnesses confirmed on the Gulf Coast: We're taking a look at what these illnesses are, where they are being reported and what's being done to stop the spread.
CentraCare to Be Official Health Care Provider for Johnnie Athletics
(KNSI) - CentraCare and Saint John's University have agreed to a three-year partnership that makes CentraCare ...
Newcastle United v Aston Villa Live TV and these global channel listings
Around the world, here are the channels you can watch Newcastle United v Aston Villa Live TV. The global TV listings are featured below for local (to you) coverage on Saturday (5.
Go back to the medieval times with the Baton Rouge Maker Faire. See when, where, what to do.
Join the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Maker Faire for medieval-themed activities, hands-on projects, performances and more.
Texas Adds 154,300 Jobs, Outpacing National Growth
Governor Greg Abbott touted the strength of the Texas economy as Texas employers added 154,300 nonfarm jobs over the last 12 months for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points.
Harvard's SpaceX bet helped its endowment grow faster than the S&P 500
Harvard's endowment grew to nearly $68 billion, helped by the university's $2.2 billion stake in SpaceX at the end of June.
‘NCIS’ stars Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly to reunite in prequel
NEW YORK — Original “NCIS” cast members Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly will reunite onscreen for the first time in 10 years in the franchise’s “NCIS: Origins” prequel. By now,
In immigrant-heavy Georgia city, Trump to test limits of his midterm message
The visit to Dalton is especially complicated for GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson, who increasingly has emphasized his independence from the president.
Kuakini Breast Health Institute expands access to cancer screening and treatment
The Kuakini Breast Health Institute is now open in time breast cancer awareness month, offering specialized cancer treatment, including screening, surgery and monitoring.
How Hürzeler’s Tactics Have Changed Brighton in 2026/27
The German tactical mastermind has weaponized relentless high-pressing and clinical efficiency, transforming the Seagulls into a fearless scoring machine that currently rivals Europe’s most elite heavyweights.
IU Kelley School of Business Expert Weights in on Prediction Markets and Midterm Elections
As prediction markets play a growing role in election forecasting and increasingly compete with traditional polling, Russell Rhoads, clinical associate professor of finance at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Indianapolis, is available to provide expert analysis and commentary. Rhoads can help audiences understand how prediction markets work, what market odds actually signal about election outcomes, and why investors, analysts, and political observers are payin
Registration is open for high school winter sports
Registration is now officially open for high school winter sports for the City School District of Albany! Any student in grades 9-12 who is interested in trying out for boys' basketball, girls' basketball, bowling, cheerleading, boys' indoor track, girls' indoor track, spirit team, boys' swimming and diving, boys' wrestling and girls' wrestling is invited to register via Final Forms. Important: please note that registration for winter sports ends on Friday, Nov. 13. Practices and tryouts for winter sports begin on Monday, Nov. 16. FINAL FORMS Each season, the following must be done prior to the first day of tryouts and practices: A parent or guardian must initiate the registration process for their student-athlete in Final Forms, filling out the required forms such as Interval Sports Health History and the Athletic Consent Form. The student-athlete must sign and complete their required forms. A reminder that all students who would like to play an interscholastic sport need to have a current physical conducted within a year on file. PHYSICALS A physical conducted within the last 12 months is mandatory for any student interested in trying out for an athletic team and must be uploaded into the Final Forms platform. Families are encouraged to get a completed physical from their child's physician. If you are unable to get a physical from your child's physician, you can schedule a free physical with Whitney Young's school-based health center by calling (518) 573-2556. Additionally, the district physician will also be available to facilitate sports physicals at Albany High in room 4253 on the following dates: Thursday, Nov. 12 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sports physicals on Nov. 12 and 13 are free and no appointment is necessary. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Please note that students must have a good attendance record and be in good standing academically to be eligible to participate in an athletic team. Eligibility is determined based on quarterly grades, and interim progress reports will serve as an important academic checkpoint for all student‑athletes. For additional details about academic eligibility, please see our Athletic Code of Conduct. For our winter teams, academic eligibility to start the season will be based on final first-quarter grades. The first marking period ends Nov. 13. Albany High offers free tutoring facilitated by Albany High teachers Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. for students who need extra help with their academics. See this flyer for additional details. IMPORTANT DATES Seniors, please mark your calendars for Senior Media Day for winter sports, which will take place on Monday, Nov. 30. All student-athletes playing winter sports will also participate in our winter sports picture days, which will take place Tuesday, Dec. 15–Thursday, Dec. 18. Specific dates and times for each team will be shared once rosters are finalized. OPEN GYM SESSIONS Student-athletes are encouraged to check out our open gym sessions as they prepare for upcoming sports seasons. We’re looking forward to a rewarding winter sports season this year! If you have any questions, please contact the Athletic Department at (518) 475-6310. Go Falcons!
Turn Calf Health Records Into Herd Improvements
There is a cycle of incomplete calf health records and limited veterinary feedback. Breaking it requires practical recordkeeping systems and a commitment to turning data into management decisions.
Can AI solve our mental health access problem?
Last week I asked you what worries you most about AI in health. It was close, but your top answer was “AI giving bad health advice.” Last week’s poll results: You’re in good company. This concern was top of mind at a conference I joined at Stanford last week, where researchers, clinicians, and people who build AI systems spent a day debating trust and safety in health AI. Stepping back, I’m also hearing your emerging concerns about AI’s impact on our well-being generally. I see this as a matter of public health, and we’ll take it in pieces as we learn together. Today we’ll focus on AI chatbots used for therapy for mental health. Early this month, Governor Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 903, California’s most ambitious attempt to regulate AI use for mental health. It’s at the center of active debate, and raises the questions patients, family members, citizens, and voters will face as AI moves deeper into health care. Let’s work through it. What is “AI-based therapy”? It’s really two things: purpose-built mental health apps designed to deliver structured support, and general chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini that people increasingly use for emotional support—even if they weren’t built for it. Spoiler alert: I don’t know whether the shift toward AI therapy is good or bad. The evidence isn’t there yet. But I do know it’s already happening, and I have some ideas about how we can roll it out with safety in mind. The therapy dilemma, in a nutshell Mental health challenges are common, and strain health and well-being across populations. Therapy (interactive dialogue with a trained, empathetic practitioner) helps many people heal. The demand for licensed therapists far exceeds the supply in California, and AI-based therapy can narrow that gap. AI-based therapy remains novel, unproven, and not well tested. Right off the bat, we can see we’re dealing with trade-offs here. Since the main driver of demand for therapy from a robot is lack of access to therapy from a human, we’ll start there. It’s too hard to find and afford a human therapist California is short roughly 55,000 licensed, non-prescribing therapists and counselors, about 40% of what we need. Psychiatrists, who rely on talk therapy as a complement to prescribed medications, are even more scarce. Eight counties have none, and density ranges from 1.7 per 100,000 residents in San Benito County, to 68.1 in Marin County. My wife is a psychiatrist in Marin, and even here access is tight. If it’s hard in the best-supplied county, imagine rural Sierra County, or the San Joaquin Valley. In 2024, more than half of Californians who tried to make a mental health appointment struggled to find a provider who took their insurance, compared with 14% for physical health care. When Senate staff posed as “secret shopper” patients and called 120 mental health providers in Medicare Advantage networks, they landed an appointment less than once for every five tries. Insurers pay behavioral health clinicians about 22% less than medical and surgical clinicians for comparable office visits. On top of that, billing denials and prior authorizations hit hardest at the solo and small practices common in mental health. Psychiatrists opt out of Medicare at the highest rate of any specialty. In many places, a cash practice for therapy fills quickly with patients paying $250 or more an hour, with no insurance paperwork at all. Families who can pay cash find providers more easily. Those who rely on insurance, including Medi-Cal enrollees, older adults, rural residents, and non-English speakers, compete for what’s left. So we can’t pretend the human system works, and we can’t blame people for turning to AI for support when they’re in distress. AI is filling the gap It’s estimated that roughly a quarter of AI users use it for mental health support. If you have internet, it’s available 24/7, it’s cheap, and it speaks your language. Uninsured adults are about twice as likely as insured adults to do it (30% vs. 14%). It feels anonymous in ways that may enable people to ask things they’re unsure or embarrassed about. The largely hidden, personal use makes it hard to study whether it’s actually helping people with their mental health issues, but researchers are trying. Does AI therapy work? A 2026 analysis of nearly 40 randomized trials found chatbots showed a real but small reduction in depression symptoms. But most of these trials were compared to an alternative of no therapy, not a human therapist. So the benefit of AI therapy is probably real, but modest, and mostly untested against the alternative of human contact. We need more studies. Serious concerns OpenAI’s own estimate is that more than a million ChatGPT users each week show signs of suicidal planning or intent. These are high stakes encounters, and AI doesn’t always get it right. That’s partly because a chatbot can sound like a therapist, but it has no license, no duty of care, and it’s not clear who to hold accountable when it gets things wrong. AI is also designed to help users in whatever task they’re seeking to accomplish. People may feel like they’re getting therapy, but they’re mainly getting a convincing conversation. It’s easy for an AI companion to wander into gray areas, like playing along with “creative writing” that may be about the user’s own suicidal intent. Courts are driving safety conversations A wave of lawsuits have been filed on behalf of families claiming that chatbots pushed people they loved toward self-harm, including teens who died by suicide. The first settlements came this year. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco, and dozens of cases alleging that ChatGPT drove users to suicide or self-harm are now before a San Francisco judge. Character.ai has filed for bankruptcy after several states brought lawsuits accusing the chatbot of pushing dangerous content to kids. But the technology seems to be improving. Last month, an independent evaluation found that newer AI models “almost never endorse suicide.” That’s progress, but our societal appetite for even one preventable death is very low. So how do we move forward? Finding a middle ground Earlier this month the governor vetoed Senate Bill 903, a bill designed to place guardrails on the use of AI for therapy. The bill would have prohibited any AI-based platform from being advertised as psychotherapy, and would have required a licensed professional to review and approve each encounter where AI was used to support therapeutic decisions. Newsom called it overly broad, since even routine screening questions would have needed clinician sign-off. Knowing we’re already short on mental health providers, requiring human review of AI encounters may not relieve our access problems. Still, the answer isn’t no oversight. Here’s one feasible short term solution. Rather than reviewing each encounter, a licensed clinician can design the guardrails: what counts as a crisis, what triggers an immediate handoff to a human, and what gets sampled for audit each month. The AI runs inside that structure. Conversations get checked, failures get reported, and a real clinician owns the framework. Medicine already has models to learn from. The FDA process for rolling out newly approved medications is an example. After a product reaches patients, we keep watching for adverse events. Patient-facing AI needs the same “digital pharmacovigilance”: systematic tracking of harms, near misses, and the types of groups that get hurt and why. It’s also critical that users know that they can reach a human if they’re in crisis. Most chatbots now include messages like these: Bottom line The rush to use unproven AI tools for mental health support is mostly a workaround, a sign of a health system people can’t get into. We need better access to proven care from licensed clinicians. That takes reimbursement that makes accepting insurance viable, and a bigger workforce. But, built and tested well, AI could be part of the answer. It could be the 2 a.m. check-in when no one else is awake, or a way for patients to practice skills their therapist taught them. It could be the first step to get someone the right level of care, and take paperwork off clinicians’ plates so they spend more time with patients. None of this is simple. The SB 903 veto doesn’t end the debate, and the legislature will be back. In the meantime, those of us using these tools need to stay informed, ask hard questions, and hold the companies building them accountable. I’ll try to do my part, and we’ll keep learning together. Love,Matt P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988- you’ll reach a real person— or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Dr. Matt Willis is the author of Your Local Epidemiologist in California. A California native, he’s served as a primary care physician, CDC epidemiologist, and public health officer for Marin County, where he guided the pandemic response. He lives in Marin with his family and their dogs, Teddy and Ramona. Thank you Cynthia He, MD, PhD, and Parnika Saxena, MD, for their guidance in preparing this article. Cynthia works in an outpatient mental health clinic, treating patients who have Medi-Cal or, sometimes, no insurance. Parnika works in an inpatient psychiatric unit, treating patients with public or private insurance or self-pay ability. All opinions are their own and do not represent their employers.
To the editor: The taint of corporate involvement in politics and government
hen we hear Republican candidates earnestly talking about reducing regulations, cutting government programs and lowering taxes to help ordinary Americans, we need to recognize the distinction between tactics and strategy. These proposals are tactics. The broader strategy behind them is to drastically reduce the role of government in our lives. We have watched this strategy
How Digital Entertainment Is Changing the Way People Spend Their Free Time
Digital entertainment has changed considerably over the past decade. Watching a game, following a favorite team, playing online games, and keeping up with sports discussions can all happen from the same device. What once required a television, a gaming console, or a trip out of the house can now fit into a few spare minutes […]
Packers Get Dak Prescott Admission Over Old Lambeau Boast
The Green Bay Packers have given Dak Prescott grounds to reconsider one of the first conclusions he reached at Lambeau Field.Prescott went into Green Bay as a rookie in 2016 and left with a 30-16 victory over the Packers. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns in the win, while rookie […] The post Packers Get Dak Prescott Admission Over Old Lambeau Boast appeared first on HEAVY.
Mercedes Launches Statewide Search for New City Manager
The City of Mercedes has launched a search for its next city manager, seeking an experienced public administrator to oversee municipal operations, infrastructure improvements, and economic development initiatives.
David Hamilton powers Brewers to World Series
Is everything in baseball actually about the Red Sox, even when it’s not about the Red Sox? Somehow I feel like the answer is yes. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers last night to complete a four-game sweep of the NLCS and reach their first World Series since 1982. The first out of […]
Influencers and biohackers swear by fasting. Here’s what the science says.
Fasting can help some people reduce how many calories they eat — but it’s not “effortless” as some influencers would have you believe.
Northwestern vs. Michigan State: 3 Best Bets for Week 7
Capitalize on vulnerable pass defenses and Aidan Chiles’ revenge narrative as these three expert picks target undervalued player props for a high-stakes Big Ten showdown in East Lansing.
Georgia amusement park to reopen as scheduled days after roller coaster death
Six Flags Over Georgia is expected to open for the first time since a man fell to his death from the Goliath roller coaster. Authorities are investigating the death, which
Beauty-from-within surges with new science, finished products
Beauty-from-within makes a comeback while ingredient research shows benefits for bone and gastrointestinal health.
Caesars Entertainment (CZR) Following Argus Focus Is The Digital Growth Story Undervalued
Caesars Entertainment (CZR) is back in focus after research provider Argus highlighted its mix of roughly 50 U.S. gaming properties and detailed 2024 EBITDAR contributions from Las Vegas and regional operations. Recent trading has been softer, with the share price slipping over the past week and month, and the 3-month share price return down 2.04%. However, Caesars Entertainment still carries a 24.15% year to date share price gain and a 34.61% 1-year total shareholder return, alongside a much...
Health Care and Crude Led the Week While Tech Lost Its Grip
American News Group News Commentary - The State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust slipped 0.28% and the Invesco QQQ Trust fell 2.62% over the five trading sessions ended Thursday, October 15, according to Stock Analysis data, as a hotter-than-expected inflation report revived concerns about interest rates and technology stocks sold off. Among U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds with at least $1 billion in assets, excluding leveraged and inverse products, the week's leaders came from health care, crude
Cisco Expands Work With Hawks, Cavaliers, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
Cisco is expanding its work with the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) as the 2026-27 NBA season gets underway, providing digital infrastructure for their arenas...