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Bari Weiss’ ‘60 Minutes’ scandal is about more than one report
By blocking an approved segment on a controversial prison holding U.S. deportees in El Salvador, the editor-in-chief of CBS News has become the main story.
HHS, Robert Kennedy Jr. declare public health emergency for WA after storms, flooding, landslides
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is declaring a public health emergency for Washington after strong winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides damaged the region.
The Year in Entertainment 2025: The TV that was top
The small screen took us everywhere from the shores of Cousins Beach to the emergency room at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center this year. Here's a look at the shows and limited series that defined 2025:It was the medical procedural drama The Pitt that scored the top prize at the Emmys this year. Led by Noah Wyle, who won the best actor in a drama Emmy for his portrayal of Dr. Robby in the new series, The Pitt's first season followed the challenges faced by health care workers on the front lines over the course of a single, 15-hour shift at the hospital. Other big winners at the ceremony included Seth Rogen's new comedy series The Studio, as well as the Netflix limited series Adolescence.Many prestige shows captured the cultural zeitgeist in 2025. Fans traveled to Thailand to check in for season 3 of The White Lotus, while the mystery at Lumon Industries continued to unfold as Severance season 2 rolled out. The Last of Us viewers mourned a fan-favorite character during its sophomore season, while Star Wars fans returned to a galaxy far, far away to bid farewell to Andor as it debuted its second and final season.Nobody could stop talking about The Summer I Turned Pretty. Whether you were team Conrad or team Jeremiah, fans couldn't keep their eyes off the dramatic third season of the teen romance series, which spanned from the U.S.'s East Coast all the way to Paris. While the series ended with Belly finally picking which brother she wanted to be with, the story isn't quite over. A feature film that will end the romantic saga has been greenlit by Prime Video.Finally, the year ended with the release of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. It turned Netflix's streaming records upside down, accumulating 59.6 million views in its first five days and becoming the best-ever premiere week viewing numbers for an English-language series on the streaming platform.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
U.S. Politics & Sherlock Holmes Loom Large In BBC’s 2025 Podcast Charts
BBC hits 2.5B podcast plays in 2025, Sherlock & U.S. politics feature in top ten.
Maine among 19 states suing HHS over youth gender-affirming care
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people.
RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for WA flooding
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency Wednesday over this month’s flooding in Washington state.
How Trump’s attacks on ‘climate alarmism’ have already transformed U.S. science
Experts say the cuts to the federal workforce and climate science funding could cause decades of loss in human knowledge and discovery.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
More than a third of states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F.
US judge rejects business group's challenge to Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by the largest U.S. business lobby group to President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, saying it fell under his broad powers to regulate immigration.
US signs health agreements with African nations, warns against nonperformance
The U.S. signed four new global health memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, which total nearly $2.3 billion in funding, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy Through Landmark Bilateral Global Health MOUs - United States Department of State
On December 22 and 23, the United States signed four additional new, landmark global health Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, reinforcing U.S. leadership that delivers measurable results for the American people and puts America First by directly countering global infectious disease threats and reducing foreign dependence on U.S. taxpayers. […]
This new 3D chip could break AI’s biggest bottleneck
Researchers have created a new kind of 3D computer chip that stacks memory and computing elements vertically, dramatically speeding up how data moves inside the chip. Unlike traditional flat designs, this approach avoids the traffic jams that limit today’s AI hardware. The prototype already beats comparable chips by several times, with future versions expected to go much further. Just as important, it was manufactured entirely in a U.S. foundry, showing the technology is ready for real-world production.
Maine suspends payments to Portland health care provider accused of fraud
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is also seeking financial information about Gateway Community Services as part of its investigation into suspected fraud in Minnesota.
US health agency to negotiate prices for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it will negotiate drug prices with manufacturers of GLP-1 medications, in an attempt to expand access to the weight-loss treatments.
Supreme Court rules against Trump, bars deploying National Guard in Chicago
The decision is the major defeat for Trump and his broad claim that he had the power to deploy military forces in U.S. cities.
Vice President Vance presents a Christian vision of politics
In a speech this week, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, America’s second Catholic vice president, laid out a distinctly Christian vision for American politics.
Rep. Harriet Hageman, who defeated Liz Cheney, announces run for Wyoming Senate seat
Wyoming’s lone U.S. representative is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Cynthia Lummis, who isn’t seeking re-election.
Alliance 4 American Leadership PAC endorses Elijah Manley for CD 20
He’s called for renewed global aid spending by the U.S. equal to 2% of the federal budget.
Christmas Day sports: Here's a look at the premier matchups on the holiday
The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.
Christmas Day sports: Here's a look at the premier matchups on the holiday
The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.
Harriet Hageman announces run for Wyoming Senate seat
Wyoming’s lone U.S. representative is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Cynthia Lummis, who isn’t seeking re-election.
Trump administration’s plan to shrink vaccine schedule sends health sector scrambling
The health sector is working to navigate what could be the most significant changes to the U.S. vaccine program in decades.
Ben Sasse announces stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis
The former U.S. Senator and University of Florida President shared a candid message about mortality, faith and family.
Klarna Sees Triple-Digit Spending Growth Across Entertainment, Experiences, and Automotive This Holiday Season
NEW YORK, December 23, 2025--Klarna, the global digital bank and flexible payments provider, today reports an increase in U.S. holiday spending beyond traditional retail, with consumers driving triple-digit year-over-year growth across entertainment (+130%), experiences (+115%) and automotive products (100%), such as vehicle maintenance and repairs, from December 1 through Monday, December 22, signaling a clear shift toward experiential and high-value practical purchases this season.
A Quarter Of American Families Face Financially Overwhelming Medical Expenses
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterTUESDAY, Dec. 23, 2025 (HealthDay News) — More than 1 in 4 Americans are struggling with financial toxicity, with big medical bills dragging down both their money and their health, a new study says. Nearly 27% of U.S. residents faced high medical expenses or ...
Venue Adjustments for Intermountain Health Freestyle International Presented by Stifel
PARK CITY, Utah (Dec. 23, 2025) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced updates to the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel, originally scheduled to take place at Deer Valley Resort. Due to unseasonably warm weather, both the aerials and moguls World Cup events will be moved.
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.”
Idahoans gather in Nampa to urge extension of health care premium tax credits
About two dozen Idahoans gathered amid cold winds Thursday night in Nampa for a “pre-funeral” for affordable health care in the U.S.
Companies collecting pennies on the dollar in market to recoup some tariff costs
Some U.S. companies are hedging their bets on the Supreme Court case against President Donald Trump's sweeping emergency tariffs by selling their rights to collect potential government refunds of the taxes to outside investors.
U.S. signs new health deals with 9 African countries that mirror Trump's priorities
Annual U.S. health funding to the nine countries has dropped 49% compared with 2024, while the nations must increase domestic spending and meet political conditions.
Best Of: What Beards Tell Us About Power, Politics And How We See Each Other : 1A
Abraham Lincoln was the first U.S. president to sport a beard. For the next 50 years, whiskers were commonplace in the White House. But then, they went out of style.Now, Vice President JD Vance is the first executive branch leader in more than a century with a furry face.And others are following suit. From the Senate to the campaign trail, more and more men in politics are letting their facial hair grow free. But what does that tell us about masculinity, power, and how we see each other?Why did our politicians remain bare faced for so long? And what does the reemergence of whiskers in the White House represent?Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Trump critic George Conway files papers for U.S. House bid in New York
George Conway is joining a crowded Democratic race in New York to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler for his U.S. House seat.
2,000 pounds of sausages recalled after consumer finds dangerous metal strip over 1-inch long
U.S. Department of Agriculture recalls nearly one ton of Olympia Provisions holiday kielbasa after consumer reportedly found a metal strip in sausage.
US signs new health deals with 9 African countries that mirror Trump's priorities
The U.S. government has signed health deals with at least nine African countries. These new deals reflect the Trump administration's priorities and its focus on mutual benefits.
US Signs New Health Deals With 9 African Countries That Mirror Trump's Priorities
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The U.S. government has signed health deals with at least nine African countries, part of its new approach to global health funding, with agreements that reflect the Trump administration’s interests and priorities and are geared toward providing less aid and more mutual ...
US business equipment borrowings down more than 4% y/y in November, ELFA says
U.S. companies borrowed 4.4% less to finance equipment investments in November compared with the same period a year earlier, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) said on Monday.
How Trump’s ‘crony capitalism’ has shaken up U.S. business
His policies are picking winners and losers — and blurring the lines between business and government.
Home for the holidays? So are COVID, flu and the stomach bug.
'Tis the season for getting sick. Here's what to know about the pathogens circulating in the U.S. this December and how to stay healthy.
Trump named Gov. Jeff Landry a special envoy to Greenland. Denmark isn’t happy about it.
The Danish foreign minister said he was summoning the U.S. ambassador to explain the move.
AMC Entertainment Scores Its Biggest Pre-Christmas Holiday Weekend Since 2021, as More Than 4 Million Moviegoers Visited an AMC or ODEON Cinemas Location From Thursday Through Sunday
LEAWOOD, Kan., December 22, 2025--AMC Entertainment (NYSE: AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, today announced a strong opening-weekend performance for AVATAR: FIRE & ASH at AMC’s U.S. theatres and internationally at ODEON Cinemas. Combined with solid performances from several other new releases and holdover films, AMC enjoyed its best pre-Christmas holiday weekend since 2021, based on attendance and admissions revenue.
For Ken Paxton, a Senate run meets a test of character
As Ken Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate on conviction and faith, allegations of infidelity and a public divorce complicate his appeal to Republican voters.
Federal legislation to hurt area healthcare, warn Neal, Baystate CEO
Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal sat on either side of a low table in front of about 150 officials, health industry leaders and community organizers.
Bookman: Republicans are fighting a losing battle on health care
In politics, as in war, victory often depends on your choice of battlefield. Here in Georgia, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has chosen health care and the economy as the grounds on which he will defend his Senate seat in next year’s election. His Republican opponents have chosen loyalty to Donald Trump and, I guess, “wokeness.” […]
Medicaid Health Plans Step Up Outreach Efforts Ahead of GOP Changes
Even as President Donald Trump and GOP lawmakers say the One Big Beautiful Bill Act targets waste, fraud, and abuse, Medicaid health plans are hosting events across the U.S. to prevent low-income families from losing health insurance and food benefits next year.
MSC joins Science Center for Marine Fisheries
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has joined the industry advisory board of the U.S. Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS)
Fact-checking Trump’s plaques for past presidents at the White House 'Walk of Fame'
In a break from tradition, President Donald Trump decorated a White House walkway with bronze plaques for each U.S. president. In an even sharper break with tradition, the plaques were written in a style echoing Trump’s Truth Social posts, with misleading or false descriptions of recent Democratic presidents.
Rep. Moulton goes 'On the Record' about US Senate race, health care
U.S. Representative Seth Moulton joined "On the Record" to discuss his primary challenge against Sen. Ed Markey, the future of Affordable Care Act tax credits and more.
Trump Loyalist Elise Stefanik Won't Seek Re-Election, Is Quitting Politics
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a House Republican leader and loyal ally of President Trump, says she is bowing out of politics.
U.S, Nigeria sign $5.1 B health MOU, largest co‑investment under America First strategy
The United States has signed a five-year, $5
Westerman’s SPEED Act accelerates to the Senate - Talk Business & Politics
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, has been working on a regulatory reform bill for years, and this week, he saw the culmination of his efforts take a giant leap...
Opinion | How to Reduce Surging Health Care Costs
Readers suggest ways to bring medical costs under control for average Americans. Also: Australia sets an example for the U.S. on gun laws.
The Ellisons add TikTok's U.S. business to their entertainment empire
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors led by Larry Ellison, the billionaire ally of Trump whose family media and entertainment empire just got bigger.
The Ellisons add TikTok's U.S. business to their entertainment empire
TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. operations to a group of investors led by Larry Ellison, the billionaire ally of Trump whose family media and entertainment empire just got bigger.
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy - U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
Strengthening U.S.-Nigerian Health Cooperation under the America First Global Health Strategy The United States signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria December 19 to advance the America First Global Health Strategy, supporting resilient, self-reliant, and durable health systems while promoting accountability and shared responsibility. Under the five-year MOU, the United States intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion in health assistance, with nearly $3.0 billion in new domestic health expenditures by the Government of Nigeria over the same five-year period. This represents the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to greater national ownership of its health system. Under the MOU, the United States will continue to support surveillance and outbreak response, laboratory systems, health commodities; frontline healthcare workers, and data systems. Nigeria faces significant health challenges, including one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and approximately30 percent of the global malaria burden. U.S. assistance under the MOU will expand access to affordable, preventive and curative services for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, polio, and maternal and child health, strengthening health outcomes across Nigeria. The MOU places a strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, recognizing their indispensable role in delivering care to communities in need. Nigeria’s more than 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals serve more than 30 percent of the country’s 230 million people, often in areas where healthcare facilities are limited or absent. The MOU provides approximately $200 million in dedicated support to strengthen and support these Christian facilities, enhance workforce capacity, and expand access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal child health services. Investments in Christian faith-based health institutions are uniquely positioned to complement public-sector facilities and reinforce Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure. The MOU was negotiated in connection with reforms undertaken by the Government of Nigeria to prioritize the protection of Christian populations from extremist violence. As with all U.S. foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate programs that do not align with U.S. national interests, and the United States expects Nigeria to continue making measurable progress in combating religiously motivated violence against Christian communities. This five-year MOU is the latest of several health cooperation MOUs signed in Africa this month. The United States will continue to sign multi-year Bilateral Agreements on Global Health Cooperation with countries receiving U.S. health assistance to advance the America First Global Health Strategy.
Blood pressure medication for adults with blood pressure in Louisiana
Nearly half of U.S. adults — about 120 million people — have high blood pressure. That's approximately 119.9 million Americans.
Health officials brace for spread of influenza during holidays
U.S. health officials are anticipating an uptick in influenza cases by the end of December and into next year due to travel and holiday gatherings.
This health policy expert assesses the current state of the U.S. health care system
NPR's Scott Simon talks with Larry Levitt of the Kaiser Family Foundation about the state of the U.S. health system as we close out 2025 with no deal in Congress to extend Obamacare. subsidies.
Nominations Open for 2026 National Small Business Week Awards
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards, including its top honor, the Small Business Person of the Year.
Google warns staff with US visas against international travel due to embassy delays, Business Insider says
Alphabet's Google has advised some employees on U.S. visas to avoid international travel due to delays at embassies, Business Insider reported on Friday, citing an internal email.
Elise Stefanik, loyal Trump ally, ends New York governor bid and will leave politics
U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a House Republican leader and loyal ally of President Donald Trump, said on Friday she was bowing out of politics, including her recently announced bid for governor of New York, to spend more time with family.
Elise Stefanik, Loyal Trump Ally, Ends New York Governor Bid and Will Leave Politics
By Steve Gorman Dec 19 (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a House Republican leader and loyal ally of President Donald Trump, said on Friday she was bowing out of politics, including her recently announced bid for governor of New York, to spend more time with family. Stefanik, 41,
Bulgarian Chicago business owner dies in ICE custody, sparking calls for 'immediate investigation'
A Bulgarian man from Chicago arrested during an immigration enforcement 'blitz' has died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a Michigan private prison, the ABC7 I-Team has learned.
US Health Agency Announces Two Medicare Pilot Programs on Drug Pricing
Dec 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Friday announced pilot programs to start in 2026 and 2027 that are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket drug costs under the Medicare healthcare program for older and disabled Americans to prices on par with economically comparable countries. The Centers ...
Steam Deck LCD production is ending — the budget handheld gaming PC will no longer be available once stock is gone
Valve appears to be winding down the Steam Deck LCD in the U.S., leaving the pricier OLED model as the main option for new buyers going forward.
Trump seeks meeting with health insurers, eyes price cuts
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said he wants to meet with health insurers in coming weeks in a bid for lower prices, saying that could be another way to lower healthcare costs as millions of Americans face a potential spike in premiums.
Medtronic announces filing of IPO registration statement for Diabetes business, MiniMed
Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that its Diabetes business, which as previously announced will operate under the name MiniMed, has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) of newly issued common stock. The separation is expected to be completed through a series of capital markets transactions, with a preferred path of an IPO and subsequent spl
R.F.K. Jr. Likely to Swap U.S. Childhood Vaccine Schedule for Denmark’s
The shift would mean fewer shots recommended for children. But a Danish health official found the idea baffling, saying the United States was getting “crazier and crazier in public health.”
More Americans list health care as top priority for government in 2026: Poll
More Americans are listing health care as a top priority with Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire by the end of the year, according to a new poll. Almost 4 in 10 U.S. adults named health ca…
Opinion | Weighing Politics and Morality in the Israel Debate
Readers respond to an essay criticizing U.S. Democrats’ failure to resolve the conflict in Gaza. Also: Trump’s Kennedy Center rebrand; blaming immigrants after the Brown shooting.
Most fear sports betting damaging games’ integrity: Poll
A growing number of U.S. adults are losing trust in pro and college sports, thanks to the proliferation of online gambling and sports wagering options, according to a new survey. The NBC News Decis…
HHS requests advice on using AI for lowering healthcare costs
A new RFI from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking stakeholder input on how to realize artificial intelligence goals and usher in nationwide, clinical-scale adoption of the technology.
HHS to announce overhaul to child vaccine schedule, aligning with Denmark
The Trump administration is planning to announce an overhaul to the childhood immunization schedule early next year, recommending fewer shots and aligning U.S. policy with that of Denmark. A source…
Oracle stock jumps 5% as cloud provider joins investor group to run TikTok's U.S. business
The new joint venture will prevent TikTok from shutting down in the U.S. due to national security concerns.
Taylor Swift addresses politics briefly in Eras Tour docuseries
The comment appears during a behind-the-scenes look at the tour's final U.S. shows days before the 2024 election.
DraftKings launches prediction market amid fight over sports betting
DraftKings — one of the two largest sportsbooks in the U.S. — is embracing a surging alternative to traditional online gambling.
How U.S. sports tickets got so expensive – and why it shocks the rest of the world
World Cup ticket prices are symptomatic of a greater issue across sports in America, where enough people have proven they'll pay in excess
An energy retrofit saved the Science Museum of Minnesota millions — why not do it everywhere?
The 111 million buildings in the U.S. are responsible for 40% of all energy use in the country at an estimated annual cost of $370 billion.
Trump will revisit a North Carolina town, now the focus of a newly redrawn congressional district
While he is directly appealing to Americans that the economy is improving, President Trump will visit a congressional district Republicans are eyeing in their attempts to keep control the U.S. House.
Paxtons agree to unseal records in divorce case after media challenge
A group of eight media organizations had requested records in the divorce case between Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate, and his wife be made public.
TikTok agrees to deal to cede control of U.S. business to American investor group
The deal closes a long-running drama in which U.S. authorities have sought to compel ByteDance to divest.
NOAA Fisheries head says science is his priority
NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Pineiro Soler said his top priority at the U.S. agency is improving science.
WATCH: Trump administration seeks to cut off access to transgender health care for U.S. children
Rand Paul criticizes National Science Foundation for wasteful grants and irresponsible spending
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to criticize U.S. pressure on Venezuela, reject military escalation, warn that extreme gerrymandering fuels unrest and unveil alarming examples of government waste.
US Health Secretary Kennedy Proposes Rules to Cut Access to Gender-Affirming Care
WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved on Thursday to cut access to gender-affirming care for children proposing rules that would bar hospitals that deliver such care from its Medicare and Medicaid programs and also bar Medicaid and children's ...
What Can U.S. Employers Do About Rising Healthcare Costs?
U.S. employers are grappling with surging healthcare costs as healthcare prices and service volumes rise. Provider consolidation, high drug prices, labor shortages, and growing chronic disease are fueling the cost increases. Employer have largely responded by shifting expenses to workers. Their track record in pursuing aggressive options—including collective purchasing, tiered plans, value-based care, and advocating for changes in government policies—is poor. The big question is whether they have the will to become more aggressive in pursuing remedies. The outlook is not promising. The reasons include the complexity of the problem, employee resistance to some solutions, and the fact that most employers just don’t have sufficient “skin in the game” to take on the disruption and risk that would be required to bend the healthcare cost curve significantly or sustainably.
CMA warns federal cuts to American Academy of Pediatrics undermine children's health
CMA President and pediatrician René Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement following the U.S. Department of Health...
Once a pariah, Saudi Arabia is now Hollywood's hot cash source
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A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
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