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Video Nick Reiner in yearlong mental health conservatorship: Report
The New York Times is reporting that Rob Reiner’s son was placed in a yearlong mental health conservatorship in 2020 by a judge, allowing him to be involuntarily held for psychiatric treatment.
When a credit report can hurt your chances of being hired
A background check can sink a job offer if prospective employers don’t like what they see. While they can request to have a lot of information about a job candidate’s past included in such a report, increasingly they are no longer allowed to request people’s credit history.
Abby Alder
A lot of people are less tech-savvy, and AI allows us to meet those people in unique and meaningful ways.
Massachusetts town faces lawsuit for allowing criminal immigrant, sex offender to renew business license
Teen worker allegedly assaulted at Hillers Pizza sues town officials, claiming they ignored offender's criminal history when renewing business license.
US names major sporting events other than World Cup, Olympics exempt from Trump visa ban
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has identified a host of athletic competitions it classifies as “major sporting events” — aside from soccer's 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games — that athletes and coaches will be allowed to travel to the U.S. to take part in despite a broad visa...
Nick Reiner Was in a Mental Health Conservatorship in 2020
Mr. Reiner, who is accused of killing his parents, was under a yearlong legal arrangement that allows for involuntary psychiatric treatment.
The Business of Butterworths, the Hottest New Restaurant in Washington DC
When the Odd Lots team was down in Washington DC earlier this year, we had a phenomenal meal at a restaurant called Butterworths. As it turns out, the restaurant is one of the hottest hangouts for the MAGA crowd, with Steve Bannon and others frequently seen in its dining room. Of course, restaurants are difficult businesses in normal conditions, but in DC, you have the added factor that political cycles are changing all the time, and different bars and restaurants become associated with specific parties who go in and out of power. On this episode, we speak with Bart Hutchins, the chef-owner at the restaurant. We talk about everything from sourcing ingredients from small Amish farms, to acquiring beef tallow, and dining room logistics. We also talk about food costs, labor availability, and how the intense worker shortages and price inflation of the post-2020 period still affects how the restaurant is run today. Originally aired 1/2/26. (Source: Bloomberg)
CineBlock Launches Entertainment Investment Marketplace, Opening Film and Media Ownership to Everyday Fans
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / CineBlock, a U.S.-based financial technology company, has launched CineBlock Films™, its SEC-approved investment marketplace, this month. The platform will allow fans and retail investors to take ...
OpenAI’s ChatGPT translator challenges Google Translate
ChatGPT Translate allows users to direct the style of translated text, such as ‘more fluent’ and ‘academic.’
All major AI models risk encouraging dangerous science experiments
Researchers risk fire, explosion or poisoning by allowing AI to design experiments, warn scientists. Some 19 different AI models were tested on hundreds of questions to assess their ability to spot and avoid hazards and none recognised all issues – with some doing little better than random guessing
Grok stops users from making sexualized AI images after backlash
Grok will no longer be allowed to edit photos of real people to show them in sexualized or revealing clothing.
Federal judges allow California to use new Democrat-friendly map ahead of 2026 election
A federal three-judge panel on Wednesday allowed California to use a new voter-approved US House map that is designed to boost Democrats in the 2026 midterms.
Republicans Advance Stock-Trading Bill With Limited Restrictions
The bill would allow lawmakers to keep their existing stock and continue to sell it if they provide seven to 14 days of notice. Democrats called it a “gift to insider traders.”
Reprompt attack let hackers hijack Microsoft Copilot sessions
A new attack against Microsoft Copilot Personal called 'Reprompt' allows attackers to silently exfiltrate user data after tricking the target into clicking on a legitimate Copilot link.
Scientists found the brain rhythm that makes your body feel like yours
A new study reveals that alpha brain waves help the brain decide what belongs to your body. Faster rhythms allow the brain to match sight and touch more precisely, strengthening the feeling that a body part is truly yours. Slower rhythms blur that timing, making it harder to separate self from surroundings. The findings could improve prosthetic design and immersive virtual experiences.
Fortinet Fixes Critical FortiSIEM Flaw Allowing Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution
Fortinet patches a critical FortiSIEM vulnerability (CVE-2025-64155) that allows unauthenticated remote code execution via exposed phMonitor service.
Tories and Lib Dems criticise Starmer’s ‘spinelessness’ after U-turn on digital ID
Ministers have rolled back central element of digital ID plans, possibly allowing people to use other forms of identification to prove their right to work
Alabama Democrats to Ivey: ‘The state of the state is unaffordable’
“We must not allow a state of our state to be one that only a select few can afford.”
Classroom grants bring science to life for local students
Virtually tracing the blood vessels through the chambers of a sheep’s heart and following the path of air through the lungs allowed seventh graders at Berry Creek Middle School to move beyond just reading about...
Google's update for Veo 3.1 lets users create vertical videos through reference images
Google is now allowing users to create vertical videos using references image.
FortiOS and FortiSwitchManager Vulnerability Allows Remote Arbitrary Code Execution
Fortinet has disclosed a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-122) in the cw_acd daemon of FortiOS and FortiSwitchManager.
Vestavia Hills considers adding another entertainment district with new bill
A proposed bill, House Bill 144, could allow Vestavia Hills to expand its entertainment districts, where people can legally carry and drink alcohol. Currently,
Google Photos may finally add a long-awaited video playback feature
Google Photos could soon allow users to adjust the video playback speed, and even allow date separators to be toggled off for a cleaner view.
JD Sports plans to let shoppers buy through AI platforms
Retailer to allow ‘one-click purchases’ through assistants such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, beginning in US
Opinion - Richard Nelson: Raising state's sports gambling age to 21 should be a 'no-brainer'
Sports gambling has gone mainstream, sweeping the country. Today, 39 states have legalized it, including Kentucky. Unlike most states, Kentucky allows 18-year-olds to gamble on sporting events — 32 of the 39 states set the minimum age at 21. Perhaps the state legislature overlooked this detail when mainstreaming sports gambling in 2023. But considering the...
Business briefs, Jan. 12
CMS expands ‘enhanced oversight’ to hospice providers in 2 new states … New rule allows early withdrawal from 401(k) funds without penalty to pay for long-term care … MA options, providers shrinking in 2026
Anthropic joins OpenAI's push into health care with new Claude tools
Anthropic’s new offerings allow users and providers to work with medical data, mimicking similar moves by OpenAI.
The Most Shouted-At Politician in America
Scott Wiener—a pro-trans Zionist who wants California to allow more homes—has an extreme tolerance for pushback.
US Supreme Court's next transgender rights battle could affect more than sports
When the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to ban transgender youth from seeking certain medical treatments, advocates and lawyers took some comfort that the narrowly written ruling did not appear to jeopardize transgender rights more broadly.
Beef Tallow Rises to the Top of the U.S. Food Pyramid
The new dietary guidelines give federal approval to a fat that has slowly caught on with consumers, even as doctors have warned against it.
Trump calls for 1-year 10% cap on credit card interest rates
President Donald Trump announced a proposed one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%, blaming the Biden administration for allowing rates to climb as high as 20–30% and saying the move would boost affordability for Americans.
Microsoft may soon allow IT admins to uninstall Copilot
Microsoft is testing a new policy that allows IT administrators to uninstall the AI-powered Copilot digital assistant on managed devices.
Trump has 'greenlit' sanctions bill punishing Russia for war in Ukraine, Sen. Graham says
The bill, co-written by Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, allows tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries buying Russia's oil, gas, and other exports.
I lost my daughter and discovered a terrifying legal reality
Shawnee Baker's daughter had catastrophic brain injuries and was kept on life support. She didn't have a healthcare proxy allowing her to die.
How business AI can return humanity’s most precious resource
Business AI will ultimately free up time. Organizations now deploy AI for end-to-end work and in operations allowing scaling without expanding headcounts.
Here's how you'll finally be able to set up your own Calling Card on Android
My Calling Card allows you to personalize how your own Calling Card appears when you call others. Here's how it works.
WellSpan Health Announces Comprehensive Migration of Technology Portfolio to AWS
Add to FavoritesWellSpan Health, the leading health care system serving Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland, today announced plans for a comprehensive cloud migration of its full technology infrastructure. Together with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its preferred cloud provider, WellSpan will transition its applications, data and environments from traditional data centers to AWS. This migration will establish the foundation for delivering next-generation, AI-enabled health care solutions that reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes for patients across the region and beyond. Supercharging Innovation, Efficiency and Patient Outcomes WellSpan's migration of systems and clinical applications, which serve 1.2 million patients across nine hospitals and 250+ facilities, is expected to be complete by April 2026, one of the fastest full-scale migrations in the health care industry. This transformation enables WellSpan to unify disparate data systems for care teams and patients alike, achieving operational efficiencies and care improvements that fragmented systems are unable to deliver. “Our comprehensive migration to the cloud accelerates our ability to deploy new clinical capabilities that transform patient care while advancing our overall innovation strategy,” said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO, WellSpan Health. “When a physician can access complete patient imaging in seconds instead of hours, we're not just modernizing technology—we're improving patient outcomes. Our new cloud infrastructure also enables us to quickly implement solutions that will free our clinicians from thousands of hours of administrative work annually so they can focus on what they do best: caring for our communities.” The transition allows WellSpan to move away from a data center-based model and enables the rapid deployment and scale of AI technology. WellSpan’s strategic partner, General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Transformation Company (HATCo), facilitated the collaboration with AWS to support the migration. WellSpan’s transformation journey benefits from HATCo’s specialized technology solutions, as well as General Catalyst and AWS’s significant partnership to improve patient outcomes, which was announced in January 2025. “Our decision to go all-in on AWS will enable insights and innovations impossible in traditional siloed environments,” said Kasey Paulus, executive vice president and chief operating officer, WellSpan Health. “This is the largest health care technology transformation in our region's history, and it positions WellSpan to be a premier partner for technology leaders across the country.” “WellSpan is building a foundation with AWS that will improve care and outcomes for patients across their health system by bringing data together into standardized formats that are optimized for AI applications,” said Dan Sheeran, vice president and general manager, Healthcare and Life Science, AWS. “To do this, it is essential to have the most secure and compliant cloud when handling patient data, along with AWS’s built-in AI governance and responsible AI frameworks that follow the industry’s highest standards to protect patient information. We look forward to continuing to work alongside WellSpan as they unlock the cloud and AI’s full potential to deliver exceptional care to their patients.” Key Benefits of the AWS Collaboration Full Portfolio Migration: WellSpan will transition its applications and data from on-premises data centers to AWS, including full IT environments and specialized applications for functions such as nursing, cardiology, pharmacy and the company’s supply chain systems. This represents approximately 7.5 petabytes of clinical and non-clinical data and more than 300 applications—the most comprehensive health system cloud migration in the Mid-Atlantic region. Approved Architectures: AWS will deliver secure, WellSpan-specific architectures tailored to each build, ensuring compliance and reliability across the health system. Unified, AI-Ready Data: Migrating to AWS enables WellSpan to harmonize data across separate systems, transforming unstructured clinical notes and multi-modal datasets into standardized, AI-ready formats. Accelerated Results and Improved Outcomes: Automated data normalization and processing will enable the deployment of applications that reduce turnaround times for items such as analyzing medical imaging or patient records from days to minutes, helping clinicians get patient results faster and improving overall health outcomes. Reduced Administrative Burden: The transition to AWS will enable swift deployment of AI-powered solutions that reclaim thousands of hours for WellSpan’s clinical and corporate teams, allowing them to focus on patient care rather than paperwork. Elastic Infrastructure: Cloud architecture will enable WellSpan to scale computing resources dynamically, supporting seasonal demand fluctuations without infrastructure investments, as well as the rapid deployment of new services across multiple locations simultaneously. Most Secure, Compliant Cloud: AWS offers the highest network availability of any cloud provider, with more than 166 HIPAA-eligible services and certifications for global compliance standards, including HITRUST CSF. Built-in AI governance and responsible AI frameworks ensure that WellSpan’s data is protected under the industry’s most rigorous standards. Tags:News releaseInnovation and partnerships
This brain trick makes exercise feel easier
Exercise doesn’t just challenge the body; it challenges how the brain interprets effort. Scientists discovered that vibrating tendons before cycling allowed people to push harder without feeling like they were working more. Their muscles and hearts worked overtime, but their sense of strain stayed the same. This brain-body mismatch could one day help make exercise feel less intimidating, especially for people who struggle to stay active.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health in a push to become a hub for personal health data
ChatGPT Health allows users to connect medical records, wellness apps, and wearable data to the chatbot, which many already use for health-related advice
Small changes, happier year: Science-backed tips for a more positive 2026
Author and positivity expert Deborah Mallow joins us to share simple, science-backed ways to reduce stress, boost happiness, and build better days—without overwhelming New Year’s resolutions.
New US dietary guidelines urge less sugar, more protein – and make a nod to beef tallow
New US dietary guidelines released Wednesday echo past advice, but also include some nods to US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement — urging Americans to prioritize protein and whole grains and limit their consumption of ultraprocessed foods and added sugar.
Gabelli Sports ETF Offers Retail Investment in Pro Teams
Gabelli Opportunities in Live and Sports ETF allows investors to access publicly traded entities like Madison Square Garden and F1.
Computer Science Colloquiums Series: Balanced Allocations: The Power of Choice Versus Noise
AbstractIn the balanced allocation problem we wish to allocate m balls (jobs) into n bins (servers) by allowing each ball to choose from some bins sampled uniformly at random. The goal is to maintain a small gap between the maximum load and average load.
Alliance Entertainment Launches Alliance Authentic™, Introducing The Ultimate Vinyl Collectible™ and a New Marketplace for Authenticated, Numbered Vinyl Collectibles
PLANTATION, Fla., Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AENT), the world’s largest distributor of vinyl records and a leading curator of physical entertainment products and collectibles, today announced the official launch of Alliance Authentic™, a new premium platform built to create authentic, certified, investment-grade vinyl collectibles and a trusted marketplace where collectors can buy, sell, and trade them globally. Alliance Authentic allows
Garmin, Meta Join To Create Proof Of Concept For In-vehicle Entertainment
(RTTNews) - Garmin (GRMN) and Meta announced an automotive OEM proof-of-concept that connects Meta Neural Band and its electromyography technology with Garmin's Unified Cabin suite of in-vehicle technology solutions. The proof of concept allows passengers to control select vehicl
NASA Hubble Helps Detect 'Wake' of Betelgeuse’s Elusive Companion Star
New Hubble and ground-based observations allowed astronomers to track the influence of a recently discovered companion star around Betelgeuse.
LEGO SMART Bricks introduce a new way to build -- and they don't require screens
LEGO developed a custom ASIC chip that allows its new SMART Bricks to pick up on signals from surrounding SMART Tags that dictate how it should make sounds or light up.
Lantheus completes sale of SPECT business
Lantheus has signaled that the decision to sell its SPECT business will allow the company to focus more on growing its portfolio of PET radiodiagnostics and microbubbles.
New materials, old physics—the science behind how your winter jacket keeps you warm
Winter jackets may seem simple, but sophisticated engineering allows them to keep body heat locked in while staying breathable enough to let out sweat. Read
Scientists find a safer way to make cells burn more calories
Researchers have developed experimental compounds that make cells burn more calories by subtly tweaking how mitochondria produce energy. Older versions of these chemicals were once used for weight loss—but were banned for being deadly. The new approach fine-tunes the effect, allowing cells to burn extra fuel safely. If successful, this could pave the way for new obesity treatments with added health benefits.
Maldives Health Financing Progress Matrix Assessment Report
The WHO Health Financing Progress Matrix (HFPM) is the standardized qualitative assessment of the health financing system of a country. The assessment builds on an extensive body of conceptual and empirical work, and summarizes “what matters in health financing for universal health coverage (UHC)” into a set of desirable attributes, which form the basis of the assessment. By identifying areas of strength and weakness in the current health financing system, along with priority policy directions, HFPM assessments complement monitoring of key quantitative indicators on service coverage and financial protection, now enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda. HFPM assessments can be implemented within a short period and provide close-to-real-time information for policy-makers. Findings support the development of health financing strategies and technical alignment across government and external technical assistance agencies, while also providing the basis for monitoring progress over time. This allows for systematic tracking of the development and implementation of health financing policies that matter for UHC. HFPM assessments have been conducted in several countries, including in the South-East (SE) Asia Region; some have been published (Bangladesh and the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India) while others have remained unpublished (Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka)
Scientists Discover How the Uterus “Feels” Its Way Through Childbirth
Molecular discoveries may help improve treatments for labor and pain. When labor starts, the uterus must produce steady, precisely timed contractions to allow a safe delivery. Hormones such as progesterone and oxytocin are known to drive this process, but researchers have long believed that physi
‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant Explains Controversial Responses: ‘Greetings From a Second Chance Loser’
‘Kimodo’ dragon instead of Komodo dragon? ‘An Indecent Proposal’ instead of just ‘Indecent Proposal’? Allow Dondi DeMarco to justify himself…
Some SLC businesses have put up signs saying ICE isn’t allowed in. Here’s why.
Anti-ICE signs are showing up at Salt Lake City and West Valley City businesses. Where did they come from?
‘I wasn’t allowed to study, but I will make sure no girl in this village hears those same words’
Health worker Naushaba Roonjho’s desire to educate has brought about the biggest local change in decades – and elders are now backing her political ambitions
Something hidden deep underground supercharged this Chile earthquake
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile in July 2024—and it wasn’t supposed to be that strong. Unlike Chile’s infamous shallow “megathrust” quakes, this one ruptured deep inside the Earth, where shaking is usually weaker at the surface. Researchers discovered that the quake broke long-held assumptions by tearing through hotter rock layers than expected, fueled by a rare chain reaction that accelerated the rupture.
Amazon allows visa workers stranded in India to work remotely with restrictions. Here's what they can't do.
Amazon allows India-based employees affected by H-1B visa delays to work remotely until March, with strict restrictions on coding.
Trump agrees to return control of California’s National Guard to the state
The decision comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s refusal to allow him to send troops from other states to Chicago.
Midlands business owners raise concerns over new liquor liability law
A new law set to take effect this week aims to alleviate the financial strain on bars and restaurants in the state by allowing them to lower the $1 million liqu
Midlands business owners raise concerns over new liquor liability law
A new law set to take effect this week aims to alleviate the financial strain on bars and restaurants in the state by allowing them to lower the $1 million liqu
Takeaways from the Ducks 5-4 Loss to the Sharks
Despite dominant analytics and a barrage of shots, critical defensive lapses allowed the Sharks to capitalize, extending the Ducks' woes.
Michigan Science Center's planetarium reno will rocket you into space
Renovations to the Michigan Science Center's planetarium allows the center to offer more immersive shows.
Scott Jennings: Proposed CA wealth tax allows Democrats to attack billionaires
Massive Rainbow Six Siege breach gives players billions of credits
Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege (R6) suffered a breach that allowed hackers to abuse internal systems to ban and unban players, manipulate in-game moderation feeds, and grant massive amounts of in-game currency and cosmetic items to accounts worldwide.
87,000+ MongoDB Instances Vulnerable to MongoBleed Flaw Exposed Online
A high-severity vulnerability in MongoDB Server that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to siphon sensitive data from database memory.
Forest analysis: Still progressing under Dyche
The feeling around the City Ground should be one of pride, and the belief Nottingham Forest are continuing to move in the right direction. The chaos of the start of the season - when Ange Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espirito Santo and barely lasted six weeks - has been replaced by the almost serene nature of the past two months under Sean Dyche. Defeat meant it is successive losses for the first time under Dyche, a testament to how quickly he got to grips with a floundering team, but Forest cannot afford to allow it to become a habit.
Google is at last letting users swap out embarrassing Gmail addresses without losing their data
Google has finally answered users' cries, allowing Gmail users to swap out embarrassing teenage email addresses.
Kenneth Shepard’s Top 10 Games Of 2025
How many times am I allowed to put ‘Running around with Mega Raichu in Pokemon Legends: Z-A’ on here?
Everybody's Business: The Year, According to Tracey Alloway, Felix Salmon, and Robert Smith
Listen Everybody's Business Podcast
A new superconductor breaks rules physicists thought were fixed
A shiny gray crystal called platinum-bismuth-two hides an electronic world unlike anything scientists have seen before. Researchers discovered that only the crystal’s outer surfaces become superconducting—allowing electrons to flow with zero resistance—while the interior remains ordinary metal. Even stranger, the electrons on the surface pair up in a highly unusual pattern that breaks all known rules of superconductivity.
Take your best shot at Kamin Science Center's new Sports360 exhibit
Kamin Science Center’s new Sports360 exhibit covers childhood curiosity in sports from sideline to sideline, with simulators that allow visitors...
Google is rolling out a new feature allowing users to change their Gmail address
Google says it is rolling out a feature that lets users change their Gmail addresses in a long-requested update to their email policy.
Proposal would end in-play sports bets in New York
Yet another piece of legislation has been introduced seeking further limits on sports betting in New York state. Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-New York City, recently introduced legislation (A.9343) that would no longer allow casinos and mobile sports betting platforms to accept in-play wagers. In-play sports betting, also known as live betting or in-game betting, is…
Proposal Would End In-Play Sports Bets In N.Y.
Yet another piece of legislation has been introduced seeking further limits on sports betting in New York state. Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-New York City, recently introduced legislation (A.9343) that would no longer allow casinos and mobile sports betting platforms to accept in-play wagers. In-play sports betting, also known as live betting or in-game betting, is […]
Ohio Hills Health Center Receives Grant To Expand Dental Services in Belmont County
Ohio Hills Health Centers recently received a grant through the Delta Dental Foundation to purchase dental equipment to expand the scope of services which will include extractions and endodontic procedures such as root canals. “OHHC is extremely grateful to the Delta Dental Foundation for this funding which allows us to purchase additional dental equipment to […]
Google Now Allows Users to Change Your @gmail.com Email Address
For years, one of the most persistent frustrations for Google users has been the inability to alter their primary email address without creating an entirely new account.
Google says it is 'gradually rolling out' option to change your @gmail.com address
Google says on a support page that it is "gradually rolling out" a new change allowing users to change their Gmail address.
Richmond startup Ohm Health launches first product: a humming, glowing "breathing lamp"
The company, founded by Temperpack cofounder James McGoff, recently began taking pre-orders for its “breathing lamp,” which allows customers to practice breathing in rhythm with the hum and glow of the light.
Ventura council rejects ‘entertainment zone’ designation, will reevaluate next year
Ventura City Council was split on the idea of establishing an “entertainment zone” designation for downtown Main Street, which would allow open containers of wine, beer and spirits along Main
Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit against New York's 'Green Light Law'
The law allows the DMV to issue standard driver’s licenses to individuals without Social Security numbers and "regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States."
27-year-old boosted his income from $50,000 to $432,000 at Amazon in 5 years—it allowed him to quit and start his own business
Nabeel Khan was methodical in building his career at Amazon, rising the ranks quickly from operations manager to project manager to product manager.
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.”
Scientists find a weak spot in deadly fungus that shut down hospital intensive care units
A deadly hospital fungus that resists nearly every antifungal drug may have an unexpected weakness. Researchers discovered that Candida auris activates specific genes during infection to hunt for nutrients it needs to survive. This insight came from a new living-host model that allowed scientists to watch the fungus in action. The findings could eventually lead to new treatments or allow current drugs to be repurposed.
ChatGPT Now Has a 2025 Year-End Summary Feature Like Spotify Wrapped
OpenAI added a year-end summary feature to ChatGPT, allowing users to get a personalized overview of their 2025 ChatGPT usage. The summary is similar to year-end wrap-ups from companies like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other services. ChatGPT offers up an overview of themes discussed and chat stats, such as busiest chatting day, number of overall chats, messages sent, and more.
NYC unveils new tool to help New Yorkers compare health care prices, estimate out-of-pocket costs
The new website allows people to search for common procedures with or without insurance to see total prices at specific hospitals and facilities, and estimate their out-of-pocket costs.
The Indie Game Awards snatches back two trophies from Clair Obscur over its use of generative AI
The Indie Game Awards has stripped Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 of two awards over its use of generative AI. The awards ceremony doesn't allow the use of generative AI in any capacity.
Why Republicans Can’t Agree on Health Care
Lost amid the political implications of allowing certain Obamacare subsidies to expire is the fact that this is Year 17, and counting, of Republicans failing to agree among themselves on health care policy.
Scientists found climate change hidden in old military air samples
Old military air samples turned out to be a treasure trove of biological DNA, allowing scientists to track moss spores over 35 years. The results show mosses now release spores up to a month earlier than in the 1990s. Even more surprising, the timing depends more on last year’s climate than current spring conditions. It’s a striking example of how fast ecosystems are adjusting to a warming world.
Cheaper, lower-capacity Switch 2 cartridges could mean fewer Game Key Cards
Inin suggests new low-cost options allowed it to “recalculate production” for full cartridge.
Glowing neurons let scientists watch the brain work in real time
A new bioluminescent tool allows neurons to glow on their own, letting scientists track brain activity without harmful lasers or fading signals. The advance makes it possible to watch individual brain cells fire for hours, offering a clearer, deeper look at how the brain works.
Delaware small businesses saw $14M through this federal program
Mum Mum Meka’s Training Academy owner Tameka Stanford-Daniels received a loan through the program that allowed her to sustain her child care center.
New UEFI Flaw Enables Early-Boot DMA Attacks on ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI Motherboards
UEFI firmware flaws in certain ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE, and MSI motherboards allow early-boot DMA attacks before OS security loads.
Water Street Tampa expanding with new entertainment district in downtown
Soon, Tampa will have a new spot to see concerts. The parking lot across the street from Benchmark International Arena will become a small concert venue that will allow new artists to have a sell-out show in Tampa.
ChatGPT's Apple Music Integration Is Now Live
There's now a dedicated Apple Music app for ChatGPT, which allows ChatGPT to make music recommendations and build playlists based on your Apple Music listening history. Apple Music can be added to ChatGPT through the Settings section in the Mac app, website, or iOS app. Apple Music is listed under the apps option, and connecting to it requires signing in with your Apple Account for authorization purposes.
OpenAI’s new ChatGPT image generator makes faking photos easy
New GPT Image 1.5 allows more detailed conversational image editing, for better or worse.
Google's vibe-coding tool Opal comes to Gemini
The company on Wednesday said it is integrating the tool, which lets you build AI-powered mini apps, inside the Gemini web app, allowing users to create their own custom apps.
Robinhood Expands Sports Betting Via Prediction Markets
Since the end of last year, 11 billion event contracts have been traded on Robinhood’s platform which allows investors to wager on sports, politics, and other categories.
Arizona bill would force businesses to allow people with concealed guns
A new bill filed would force Arizona businesses to let anyone with a concealed weapons permit to bring their guns inside.
Health insurance premiums to rise as Obamacare deal remains elusive
House Speaker Mike Johnson all but guaranteed that Congress will allow the enhanced premium tax credits to expire at the end of the year.
Redding unveils largest entertainment zone in state, boosting local business
Downtown Redding is now home to the largest entertainment zone in California, allowing people to sip on some alcohol while exploring downtown.