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Billionaires are spending massive sums on politics. A backlash brews.
An anti-oligarch protest in a small Indiana town shows the depth of the national backlash against the concentration of wealth and power.
Disappointing Oracle results knock $70bn off value amid AI bubble fears
Weaker-than-forecast quarterly data for Larry Ellison’s tech company shows slowdown in revenue growth but big rise in spending
From classroom to community: Student’s journey exemplifies ‘public health in action’
When Waveney Brooks transferred to the University of Kentucky as a sophomore, she never imagined that a classroom experience would open the door to real-world public heath practice across Kentucky. What started as a broad introduction to the many disciplines of well-being soon grew into a purposeful public health career path defined by mentorship, community engagement and purpose.
OpenAI exec identifies 3 jobs that are not AI proof
"My bet is often on life sciences, pharma companies," Olivier Godement said.
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Neighboring businesses react to Roanoke strip club returning
A controversial business is returning to Roanoke under new management and a new name. A developer plans to reopen Gold and Silver Gentleman’s Club as Lust Gentleman’s Club.
OPINION: You’re about to see even more money in politics. Don’t panic (too much).
OPINION: You’re about to see even more money in politics. Don’t panic (too much). Read more at The Nevada Independent.
Chiefs Travis Kelce Delivers Brutal Take on His Own Struggles
On the "New Heights" podcast with his brother Jason, Travis Kelce opened up about his struggles this year on the field.
🏆Champions: Huachipato crowned in the 2025 Copa Chile
Huachipato was crowned champion of the 2025 Copa Chile in a thrilling final against Deportes Limache, which was decided by penalties after a dramatic draw. The hero of the day was Carlo Villanueva, wh...
Republicans barrel toward health care cliff while Democrats claim messaging war victory: ‘The American public knows’
(BPRW) Assembly Studios partners with Autumn Bailey Entertainment and Braveheart Entertainment | Black PR Wire, Inc.
(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA, GA — Independent film powerhouses Autumn Bailey Entertainment (ABE) and Ty Walker's Braveheart Entertainment have announced a major production partnership with one of Atlanta's most ad...
Red and Blue in review: Looking back at Penn sports in fall 2025
Before moving onto the new year, let’s see how Penn sports performed over the fall semester.
MHA Nation family entertainment center opens doors
NEW TOWN —MHA Nation on Wednesday, Dec. 10, opened the doors on family fun during the grand opening of the new Thrill & Chill Family Entertainment Center in New Town. The new center includes mini golf courses, a laser tag venue, ropes course, an arcade and movie theater. A family restaurant and private party rooms […]
Tulare County Economic Forecast: Cities sprouting business seeds
Editor’s note: The Business Journal published its 2026 Regional Economic Forecast issue on Nov. 28. This is one of those stories. From the grand opening of mom-and-pop shops in the revitalized downtown Tulare region to
Supreme Court considers vastly expanding the president’s powers : The NPR Politics Podcast
The Supreme Court is considering whether President Trump should be able to fire the head of the Federal Trade Commission and other independent agencies without cause. We discuss why Congress created these independent agencies in the first place and the broader impact of the court eroding the 90-year-old precedent that protects them from presidential politics.This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, labor and workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Federal health policy changes could upend coverage across U.S., experts warn | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Significant changes in federal policy slated to take effect in the coming months could disrupt health care coverage, costs, and access to care for millions of people, according to experts who spoke at a Studio event at Harvard Chan School.
Watch live: Trump holds roundtable with business leaders at White House
President Trump on Wednesday afternoon welcomed business leaders to the White House for a roundtable discussion. The event comes a day after Trump touted his economic agenda in Pennsylvania. It was…
Ron DeSantis says most Floridians won't notice 'schools of hope,' as they will be in places most people don't go
The Governor endorsed a prominent supporter's favored vendor for statewide expansion.
More big warning signs for the GOP after Trump ‘weaves’ on affordability
At some point, Republicans might want to ask themselves what happens if President Donald Trump simply refuses to help himself – and them – on affordability ahead of next year’s midterms.
Some Americans might get $1,500 to cover health bills. Who qualifies?
Senate Republicans want to give Americans up to $1,500 to cover health expenses rather than extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies
In CNN interview, Govs. Spencer Cox of Utah and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania condemn political violence
Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the rise of political violence during a joint interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, calling on politicians, including President Donald Trump, to help lower the temperature in the country.
Shapiro talks of national 'crisis' around political violence in Washington
WASHINGTON — Under the massive vaulted ceiling that made their voices echo through the ornate Washington National Cathedral, Pennsylvania’s...
From Concerts to Events: What’s Next for Casino-Backed Entertainment in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a rich and thriving entertainment market. From major theme parks like Hersheypark and Knoebels to a host of museums, concert halls, and theatres. At the heart of Pennsylvania’s entertainment market is a booming casino industry. Locations like Parx Casino, Mount Airy Casino Resort, and Mohegan Pennsylvania provide residents and visitors with many entertainment options. Casino-backed entertainment has evolved beyond simple table games and slot machines. It has become a billion-dollar industry central to tourism and entertainment in the State.
WPP CEO Cindy Rose's first 100 days show how tough the ad giant's turnaround will be
Cindy Rose faces mounting pressure to stabilize ad agency titan WPP. So far in her tenure, wins have been dampened by bad news.
Which CFP teams have the most money? Breaking down field by NIL spending power
Elite spenders highlight this year's playoff bracket, but some teams are doing more with less
Danforth Plant Science Center to Lead Multi-Disciplinary Research to Enhance Stress Resilience in Bioenergy Sorghum
ST. LOUIS, MO., December 10, 2025 – Andrea Eveland, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and member at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, will lead a multi-institutional project to deepen the understanding of sorghum, a versatile bioenergy crop, and its response to environmental challenges. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program supports the three-year $2.
Hartford: 10-Year Analysis Shows Shifts in Common, Expensive Small-Business Claims
Liability risks for small businesses have shifted over the last decade, with fire and slip-and-falls becoming more expensive while water and freezing
FIU helps small business owners harness the potential of AI
Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at FIU teamed up with OpenAI recently to host a hands-on workshop in Wynwood to help 200+ small business leaders learn practical ways to use ChatGPT...
‘Lay down your swords’: Shapiro, Cox call for civility amid rising political violence
Govs. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) and Spencer Cox (R-Utah) urged the country to “act with moral clarity” and “lay down your swords” as the two men warned of increasing political violence across the countr…
What will the Washington Nationals do with their bullpen?
After trading Jose A. Ferrer, the Nationals bullpen is even weaker. What kind of additions will Paul Toboni bring in?
Surging healthcare costs reshaping millionaires' migration
The United States ranks as the most expensive private healthcare market in the world.
Launching this spring, a new graduate certificate will allow UF students to explore their passion for sports media
Last year, Jada Ross, a UF journalism major on the sports and media track, found herself on a coverage team for the 124th U.S Open. There, despite being the youngest reporter in attendance and the only woman in the group, she was given the opportunity to ask the first postgame interview question to Ludvig Åberg, a Swedish professional golfer.
Amazon Bets on Color and AI With Its Priciest Kindle to Date
Review: Amazon’s $630 pen-enabled device is a tough sell for most people.
New Software from the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative
Eighty-two volunteer teams with the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast (DEB) Initiative spent the day spread across North America, observing the eclipse with telescopes, collecting a massive dataset of images, and developing software to process it.
5 of Indy's top women sports execs open up: 'You have to be better'
This story is part of IndyStar's project "Only woman in the room:" How Indy became top city in nation for women sports execs
Science Center of Iowa prepares to reopen popular exhibit
"Small Discoveries" is a play space for kids to explore.
Political consultant talks about Trump's stance on affordability
President Trump minimized concerns about the economy during a Pennsylvania rally Tuesday. NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with political consultant Frank Luntz about Trump's latest take.
Healthworks: Empowering Penn State students through peer health education
Peer educators are trained student leaders who support their peers through workshops, one-on-one wellness services, and outreach events. First and second-year students from all academic majors who have a passion for health and wellness can apply now to become a peer educator for the 2026-27 academic year.
Why Has OpenAI Hired Slack's CEO as Chief Revenue Officer?
OpenAI has hired Slack CEO Denise Holland Dresser to help more businesses put AI to work in their operations and oversee global revenue strategy
Governors cross aisle to call for ‘moral clarity’ amid political violence
Govs. Josh Shapiro (D) and Spencer Cox (R) join forces to denounce the rise in political violence in the past few years.
Healthcare consolidation and rising costs happen, but Obamacare is not the key culprit
The debate over Affordable Care Act tax credits has prompted Republicans to blame the ACA for consolidation in the healthcare industry. But experts disagree about how much this can be tied to Obamacare.
I burned out from 2 years of job hunting, so I changed everything about how I apply. I won't let the job market break my spirit anymore.
A single mom spent two years searching for work before noticing her burnout. A moment with her son pushed her to change her routines and recover.
Alvin and Yvette Harris Sports Peformance Center Pays Off For Student-Athletes
Augusta, Ga- When the Alvin and Paulette Harris Sports Performance Center opened before the start of the first semester at Augusta University, most everyone knew it would be a game changer for student-athletes. They now had a dedicated space for them to get faster, stronger and more fit for their athletic seasons. Now, after a full semester of its utilization, the student-athletes are seeing the dividends.
I went through early menopause at 29. It upended my work and life for nearly two decades — here's what finally helped.
After dealing with endometriosis since she was a teenager, Claudia Zimmerman had a hysterectomy at age 29. This was the start of a 17-year struggle.
Vance expected to travel to Pennsylvania next week to continue administration’s push on affordability
Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pennsylvania next week to deliver remarks on the economy and the cost of living, continuing the administration’s newfound push to convince voters that the White House is focused on affordability concerns, a spokesperson said.
Notre Dame to join a conference after CFP rejection? That's a joke
When the airing of grievances finally concludes, Notre Dame will do what it always does. The Irish will stay independent.
Penguins' Thomas Novak: Pots another goal
Penguins' Thomas Novak: Pots another goal
Mass. reports 'double' the usual number of people dropping Connector health plans amid expiring subsidies
A lot happens in Boston every day. To help you keep up, WBUR, Boston's NPR News station, pulled these stories together just for you.
Trump's speech on combating inflation turns to grievances about immigrants
On the road in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Trump said he objected to taking immigrants from "hellholes like Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia and many other countries."
Trump defends tariffs as he launches economic tour: 'You can give up certain products. You could give up pencils.'
President Donald Trump is touring swing states to defend his tariffs and sell the message that the economy is booming.
Trump, 79, Melts Down Over Failing Health in 500-Word Rant
Shortly after wrapping a 90-minute speech at a rally in Pennsylvania, the president posted a lengthy rant to Truth Social.
'Civil war': Utah, PA governors call out political violence in bipartisan panel
Republican Governor of Utah Spencer Cox and Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania called on Americans to stop using violence against political opponents.
UC Berkeley suspends pro-Palestinian lecturer over political advocacy in classroom
A Berkeley lecturer known for his Gaza hunger strike has been suspended for political advocacy in the classroom — a move Muslim rights advocates say sends a chilling message.
Escalona wins Miami District 3 runoff, upending Carollo political dynasty
Rolando Escalona, general manager of Brickell’s Sexy Fish restaurant, has defeated Frank Carollo, a veteran city commissioner.
Govs. Spencer Cox and Josh Shapiro to discuss political violence in a bipartisan conversation
The Republican and Democratic governors will sit down Tuesday night with "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie to talk about political extremism and the current state of politics.
HBO Max subscriber sues Netflix to halt merger
As concerns emerge about Netflix's plan to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery assets, an HBO Max subscriber sued Netflix on Monday to prevent the merger from happening.
The Atlantic Sets First-Look Deal With Noah Oppenheim’s Prologue Entertainment (Exclusive)
RedBird IMI will also have first-look rights, with the publication's journalism and archives set to be adapted for scripted and unscripted film and TV projects.
Teachers Make Closing Push For Affordable Health Care
Over 100 New Haven public school teachers and supporters showed up to Monday's Board of Education meeting to back the teachers union's push for the district to lower educators' healthcare costs -- by moving teachers onto a state health insurance plan.
Sky Sports: Aston Villa considering move to sign 19-year-old forward
Aston Villa Eyeing Brazilian Talent in Bid to Sharpen January OptionsAston Villa’s recruitment strategy is beginning to take clearer shape ahead of the January window, with Sky Sports relaying claim...
Massachusetts is seeing more people drop health insurance
“In the first month of open enrollment, we’ve seen over 10,000 people terminate their coverage for 2026," says Audrey Morse Gasteier, Health Connector Executive Director.
GOP floats Obamacare alternatives as insurance costs are about to soar
GOP senators want to fund health savings accounts instead of extending COVID-19-era subsidies that made Obamacare less expensive for millions.
Congressional lawmakers hear from Navy admiral overseeing boat strikes
Lawmakers are threatening to withhold a quarter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget if the Pentagon does not turn over unedited video
Supreme Court weighs further loosening campaign finance limits
Republican leaders are asking the high court to remove limits on how much parties can spend in coordination with federal candidates on items like advertisements.
Pennsylvania’s Lt. Gov. says Trump has ‘got his work cut out for him’ when it comes to the commonwealth’s economy
Disney's former top dealmaker predicts what will happen next in the fight for Warner Bros.
Former Disney dealmaker Kevin Mayer predicts "more fireworks" in the bidding war for Warner Bros. between Netflix and Paramount.
‘The Affordable Care Act saved my life": Pennsylvania home care worker worries about rising health insurance premiums
Supreme Court Questions Spending Curbs on Political Parties
The US Supreme Court weighed Republican calls for a fresh rollback of campaign-finance regulations, questioning federal caps that limit spending by political parties in coordination with candidates.
Matriarch's Death Prompts Mental Health Reckoning
When Cheryl Hill vanished around Thanksgiving and her late son’s birthday, her community rallied in a desperate search, ultimately uncovering the tragedy that the 69-year-old New Havener had taken her own life. Now, Hill's daughter plans to channel her grief into raising awareness around the importance of mental health.
Pebble's founder introduces a $75 AI smart ring for recording brief notes with a press of a button
After rebooting the Pebble smartwatch, founder Eric Migicovsky is expanding his company's device lineup with a new smart wearable: an AI-powered smart ring known as Index 01. Named for the finger where the ring is meant to be worn, the new $75 ring is not meant to be a competitor to the always-on, always-listening AI devices, like the AI pendant Friend, but instead offers a way to record quick notes and reminders with a press of a button on the ring's side. AI only comes into play via the open source, speech-to-text, and AI models that run locally on your smartphone, via the open source Pebble mobile app. That is, if the Ring's button is not being pressed, it's not recording. (And this is a press-and-hold gesture, too, which means you can't start the ring's recording and then let go to surreptitiously record a conversation.) You can wear the stainless steel ring while in the shower, washing hands, doing dishes, or in the rain, but you would have to take it off for other water-related activities, like swimming. At launch, it's water-resistant to 1 meter. The ring is also not a fitness tracker or sleep monitor. It doesn't record details about your heart rate or health. And it's not there to be your AI friend. "I'm not trying to build some AI assistant thing," Migicovsky told TechCrunch in an interview. "I build things that solve one main problem, and they solve it really well," he explains. "I think of as external memory for my brain...that's what this is. It's always with you." Plus, the ring has been designed to be highly reliable and privacy-preserving, he says, as all your thoughts are stored on your phone, not in the cloud. There is no subscription. Migicovsky has been wearing the ring for three months now and says he cannot imagine going back to a world where he doesn't always have a memory device with him. "The problem is that, during the day, I get ideas or I remember something, and if I don't write it down that second, I forget it," he says. The ring solves this problem, he adds, without becoming another device you need to charge. "The battery lasts for years," Migicovsky claims. Technically, the ring is said to support roughly 12 to 14 hours of recording. On average, the founder says he uses it 10-20 times per day to record 3-6 second thoughts. At that rate, he'll get about two years of usage. When the ring's battery dies, you can ship it back to the company for recycling. When using Index, you can record up to five minutes of audio, which can be saved to the ring and synced to your phone later. This makes sense for recording briefer, personal thoughts and notes, even when you don't have your phone handy, but it wouldn't work for recording a longer chat, like a presentation, meeting, or in-person interview of some kind. The ring also supports 99+ languages and has a bit of on-device memory, in case you're not in Bluetooth range of your device, where the recording is ultimately saved and transcribed. (The raw audio is retained, too, in case the speech-to-text is garbled due to loud background noise). If you own a Pebble smartwatch or one from another brand, your recorded thought can even appear on the watch's screen so you can verify it's correct. The ring works with Pebble's mobile app, which offers notes and reminders, but can optionally integrate with your phone's calendaring system, too, or other apps, like Notion. And the ring's software is open source, which makes it hackable by the community, the founder points out. Because of its open nature, the ring's button is already programmable. In addition to the press-and-hold gesture, you can program the ring to do other things with a single or double press, like play or pause your music or control the shutter on your phone's camera. You could use it to send a message through the universal chat app Beeper, which Migicovsky also created, or you could add your own voice actions via MCP. A new approach to hardware Migicovsky acknowledges that hardware can be difficult to get right -- as the previous exit of Pebble to Fitbit showed. (Fitbit, too, was later acquired by Google in 2021). "I didn't earn any money during Pebble -- we exited, but it was not a great exit," Migicovsky admits. This year, however, he decided to reboot the Pebble project after Google open sourced the PebbleOS, which opened up the door to new hardware. With his new company, Core Devices, Migicovsky plans to do things differently. Still, the founder doesn't regret his previous choices, he clarifies. "I wouldn't have gone back and changed anything. I loved what we built. I loved what we did. I love the company that we built, but it's not the only way to build a company," he told TechCrunch. " And, speaking as an ex-YC partner, there are -- there's a time and a place for building a venture-backed startup. Some companies are phenomenal when they raise money and build a big team, and I tried that...I think what I'm doing now is trying an alternative path, which is start from profitability," he says. The new company is a small team of five, self-funded, and focused on sustainability. So far, Core Devices has shipped the Pebble 2 Duo smartwatch with a black-and-white display. Its first run sold out, and the company is now preparing to ship the upgraded version, the Pebble Time 2. The newer device, which has seen 25,000 pre-orders, is a stainless steel watch with a larger, color e-ink screen. As for the Index 01, the ring's pre-order offer ends in March 2026. After that, the price increases to $99. It currently comes in silver, polished gold, and matte black and works with iOS and Android devices. Customers can select from eight ring sizes and three colors.
LISTEN LIVE: Supreme Court weighs Republican appeal to end limits on party spending in federal elections
The Supreme Court is considering a Republican-led drive to erase limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president.
Tom’s Watch Bar Opens in Los Angeles’ Largest Sports and Entertainment District
Tom's Watch Bar - Inglewood A rendering of Tom's Watch Bar in Inglewood, adjacent to Lum Hotel. Premium sports bar concept welcomes fans to a new L.A. location, steps from Intuit Dome, SoFi Stadium and Kia Forum Grand Opening planned for early December DENVER, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tom’s Watch Bar, the ultimate destination for sports viewing and entertainment, today announced it has opened the doors to its 19th venue, located within the thriving sports and entertainment district of I
Disney’s Entertainment Model Stumbles as Amazon Doubles Down on AI Infrastructure Spending
Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Disney (NYSE: DIS) just reported earnings revealing two companies moving in opposite directions. Amazon delivered 13.4% revenue growth and accelerating cloud momentum. Disney posted flat revenue, down 0.5% year-over-year, as streaming gains failed to offset legacy media weakness. Is it odd that I’m comparing what are now two drastically different companies ... Disney’s Entertainment Model Stumbles as Amazon Doubles Down on AI Infrastructure Spending
How Much Do OC Taxpayers Spend on Local Politician’s Health Benefits?
As budgets tighten across OC cities, questions arise about spending local tax dollars on healthcare for part-time city politicians.
Apple's M5 iPad Pro Returns to All-Time Low Black Friday Prices at Up to $180 Off
Amazon and Best Buy today opened up big discounts across the M5 iPad Pro lineup, offering as much as $180 off select tablets. Prices start at $899.00 for the 256GB Wi-Fi 11-inch M5 iPad Pro at Amazon, down from $999.00. All deals in this sale match — or beat — the record low prices we tracked during Black Friday. Note. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Divinity Original Sin 3 Not Happening Now At Larian, Or Toilet Simulator
"I can confirm we aren't working on a toilet simulator at this moment."
Trump to address affordability concerns in Pennsylvania speech - live updates
President Donald Trump is heading to Pennsylvania to tout the economy as the administration faces pressure on affordability. Follow for live updates.
Pens Points: Home for Five
Pens Points will get you prepared as the Penguins return home to face the Ducks.
Jalen Hurts had an unprecedented two turnovers on one play
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts did something on Monday night that may never have happened before in the NFL: He turned the ball over twice on one play.
I'm the CEO of Canyon Ranch. My days can start as early as 2:45 a.m. and include the 'cowboy coffee' ritual and ice cream, if I'm lucky.
Mark Rivers drives from Austin to Forth Worth every Monday at 2:45 a.m. to spend time at Canyon Ranch's corporate office. He became the CEO in 2023.
PlayStation 2025 Wrap-Up: See How Much You Played This Year
How many hours did you spend playing games this year?
Brain health tips: Neurosurgeon shares 5 simple habits that help
The brain works tirelessly to help us think, remember, decide, and feel. Neuroscience suggests that the overall ‘fitness’ of the brain highly depends on daily habits. As it turns out, seemingly simple lifestyle patterns can shape the structure, connectivity, and resilience of the brain over time. Highlighting the importance of consistency, balance, and protection for long-term brain resilience, US-based neurosurgeon Dr. Jay Jagannathan shared 5 simple habits that help improve brain health and function, when done consistently. Let’s take a closer look:
Penn Entertainment seeks technology-related licensing for M Resort
Penn Entertainment is seeking a Nevada license to provide it with greater flexibility to research, develop, and deploy in-house technology at the M Resort in Henderson.The M Resort has launched a new cashless wagering system, but its current licensing doesn’t allow the customization of reports
European markets set for soft open as investors await Fed decision
European shares are expected to open mostly flat on Tuesday as global investors await the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy update.
World Sport Star of the Year 2025: Vote for nominees Caldentey, Crawford, Duplantis, McLaughlin-Levrone, Ohtani, Salah
Voting is open for the BBC Sports Personality's World Sport Star of the Year 2025 award.
A big campaign finance change, residency questions and more Nevada political news as 2025 ends
In today’s edition of Indy Elections, a Hiko rancher who lives in Summerlin, candidates flip-flopping on running and an exclusive endorsement.
Rochester council moves forward with sports complex plans
Support for funding labor and material expenses comes with potential to add other elements to project.
2025 NFL Power Rankings Week 15: The Race to the Super Bowl is Wide Open
Ralph Vacchiano sorts out the NFL's hierarchy after every week of the 2025 season.
Red Sea Film Foundation CEO Faisal Baltyuor On Building an Entertainment Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia
Baltyuor opens up about the central role the Red Sea International Film Festival has in the country's drive to become a global production hub.
Drew Brees announces new multi-level go-kart track opening at Surge Entertainment in New Orleans
Drew Brees said the attraction is expected to open by Christmas and will offer fun for all ages.
UCHealth opens new inpatient mental health unit in Northern Colorado hospital
Iowa women's basketball rises in latest AP Top 25 rankings
After a Big Ten-opening rout at Rutgers, Iowa women's basketball was rewarded with a rise in the latest AP Top 25 rankings.
Sensory play business Squish opens downtown
Kids in Marshalltown have a new play option – Squish, a downtown hands-on sensory play business. Owners Bobbie Slaney and Tiffany Fouts started the business inside the Hellberg’s Jewelers building at 13 W. Main St., with a soft opening on Monday. According to Slaney, the inspiration came when they saw there were not a lot […]
Swing district Republicans brace for political fallout if health care subsidies expire
For a critical sliver of the Republican majority, the impending expiration of what are called enhanced premium tax credits after Dec. 31 is a pressing concern as they potentially face headwinds in a 2026 midterm election.
Check out 6 new business openings here in the Huntsville area
Our business community here in the Rocket City continues to grow, and this week we have some more businesses to welcome to the area.