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N.Y. Assembly GOP leader endorses Robert Smullen in NY-21 race
Smullen has represented parts of Herkimer, Fulton, Montgomery, Oneida and Otsego counties in the state Assembly since 2019.
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Tuesday, Dec. 30
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Views on Fixed-Odds Betting
BloodHorse has reprised its online year-end survey to ask some of the sport's leading individuals for their opinions on pertinent issues facing the sport.
Scientists replayed evolution and found a surprise
Environmental change doesn’t affect evolution in a single, predictable way. In large-scale computer simulations, scientists discovered that some fluctuating conditions help populations evolve higher fitness, while others slow or even derail progress. Two populations facing different kinds of change can end up on completely different evolutionary paths. The findings challenge the idea that one population’s response can represent a whole species.
These Des Moines business owners seek to build community spaces
From food pantries and pop-up events to crafting, these Des Moines entrepreneurs hope to make money and bring people together in new ways.
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Monday, Dec. 29
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
New Rep. Thompson law cuts red tape, protects small business owners
“When we have multiple layers of bureaucracy, we are actively pushing entrepreneurs and small business owners out of our state,” said Thompson, of Brownstown Township. “This new law will support economic independence and sustainability for people who often face significant barriers to business ownership. The era of government nickel and diming hardworking people must end."
What makes a good E-sports player? Start by being a good human being
Winthrop University in Rock Hill has been leading the E-sports charge among colleges for about seven years. And a local pro squad is trying to increase representation in the sport. Turns out being a good person is better than being a top player.
Looking back on 2025: 10 notable deaths in the Denver business community
James Leprino, Dana Crawford, Daniel Ritchie and others left their mark on the region.
Entrepreneurs compete for $10,000 through Stark County business program
Five local entrepreneurs recently graduated from JumpStart’s Stark County Small Business Impact Program. One received a check for $10,000.
ADHD drugs don’t work the way we thought
ADHD stimulants appear to work less by sharpening focus and more by waking up the brain. Brain scans revealed that these medications activate reward and alertness systems, helping children stay interested in tasks they would normally avoid. The drugs even reversed brain patterns linked to sleep deprivation. Researchers say this could complicate ADHD diagnoses if poor sleep is the real underlying problem.
Zohran Mamdani’s victory bridges long-standing divisions within the city's Muslim community
As Zohran Mamdani prepares to be inaugurated as the city’s next mayor, Muslim New Yorkers say his victory represents more than a historic first.
N.J.’s ‘ghost malls’ need new life. Can these vibrant small businesses save them?
Some entrepreneurs are paying less than $1,000 monthly to rent storefronts that once housed major chains as New Jersey's malls turn to small businesses to survive.
It’s time to fish or cut bait on Maine’s health care crisis
Next November, we need to hire representatives who are willing to sit down with those they disagree with and craft real solutions.
It’s time to fish or cut bait on Maine’s health care crisis
Next November, we need to hire representatives who are willing to sit down with those they disagree with and craft real solutions.
A Bronzeville Kwanzaa event celebrates Black business owners -- We’re carrying on a legacy’
On the second day of Kwanzaa, a vendor fair supported a pickle connoisseur, Gen Alpha lemonade-makers and other Black entrepreneurs in Chicago.
Oregon Nurses Association rejects contract offer, extends strike against Legacy Health
Advanced practice providers represented by the Oregon Nurses Association rejected the tentative agreement reached with Legacy Health reached Dec. 23.
No. 20 Illinois faces battle-tested Southern
Physically rested from a week-long Christmas break, No. 20 Illinois nonetheless returns to the floor against Southern on Monday in Champaign, Ill., with little reprieve from coach Brad Underwood's favorite talking point.
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Saturday, Dec. 27
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
2025 EDGE awards, top 10 games of the year
The latest issue of EDGE has been released, and as is tradition for the final issue of the year, it includes various awards plus a list of the top ten games of the year. Various Nintendo-related representation is included for both. While Hades 2 was actually chosen as the best Nintendo game, Donkey Kong Bananza was one of the five...
Cold water changes your cells—and science says it only takes one week - Futura-Sciences
A daily dip in cold water might do more than wake you up — it could actually reprogram your body at the cellular level. According to researchers from the University of Ottawa, this simple habit ... Read more
HOKU PAC launches to support māhū and LGBTQIA+ representation in Hawaiʻi politics
A new political action committee aimed at expanding representation and advancing civil rights in Hawaiʻi was formally launched today, coinciding with the third anniversary of the federal Respect for Marriage Act.
Sleep Apnea Risk Tied to 40% Higher Odds of Poor Mental Health
Obstructive sleep apnea significantly worsens mental health in older adults, increasing risks of depression and psychological distress over time.
Business doesn’t fear regulations — it fears the uncertainties they cause
Throughout history, entrepreneurs have always dealt with uncertainty. Today, in most countries — and especially in this one — it’s an almost annual shifting of political winds.
We need to address the ‘cardiovascular deserts’ in health care: Lee Kirksey
For my part, I refuse to forget the communities like the one in which I grew up that represent the best of Ohio. Cardiovascular deserts are yet another dimension of health disparities that require political will, partnership and tailored strategies to address, writes guest columnist Dr. Lee Kirksey, a Cleveland vascular surgeon and health equity advocate.
Maryland launches Community Business Compass for entrepreneurs
Maryland unveils Community Business Compass with data tools and $10M in funding to boost child care and fresh food access.
Local business owners serve free Christmas meals to Jackson’s unhoused
Two local business owners teamed up to offer hundreds of meals to those in need this Christmas Day.
Mental health experts highlight depression treatment challenges during holidays
For some, the holidays, a time most see as a time of joy, can be a difficult season, and mental health experts are pointing to resources available to provide help.
How a Spanish virus brought Google to Málaga
Spanish entrepreneur Bernardo Quintero, whose company is at the root of Google's Málaga cybersecurity hub, identified the author of the computer virus that influenced his career.
Houston hailed as one of America's 10 best cities for startups
Houston's favorable economic climate is enticing entrepreneurs.
Mental health experts highlight depression treatment challenges during holidays
For some, the holidays, a time most see as a time of joy, can be a difficult season, and mental health experts are pointing to resources available to provide help.
AMC Entertainment Stock Hits All-Time Low Despite Avatar Success, Billionaire Buy-In
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc (NYSE:AMC) stock hit a new all-time low Tuesday at $1.64, even as the company reported its strongest pre-Christmas weekend since 2021. Here’s what investors need to know. Don't Miss: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets — Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform What To Know: The bearish price action s
Native American entrepreneurs expanding business opportunities in North Dakota
The Department of Commerce says entrepreneurship is growing in the state of North Dakota. Native American business owners are playing a growing role in that economic momentum.
Belmont Lanterns: Depression-era business promotion unearthed after 90 years
Local history buffs attended a news conference held at The Archive on Kern last Friday for answers to the mystery of the Belmont Lanterns. A contractor on the high-speed rail project discovered 82 large painted
Free rural business accelerator launches in Central Valley 2026
Fresno Pacific University’s Center for Community Transformation (CCT) is launching a new program aimed at spurring growth for rural entrepreneurs and small business owners starting in 2026.
Judge blocks Trump effort to strip security clearance from attorney who represented whistleblowers
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a March presidential memorandum to revoke the security clearance of prominent Washington attorney Mark Zaid, ruling that the order — which also targeted 14 other individuals — could not be applied to him.
Year in review: Trump, gerrymandering & redistricting : The NPR Politics Podcast
As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we explore how President Trump pushed Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps with the hope of getting more Republican members of the House of Representatives, and how that led to an escalation of partisan gerrymandering throughout the country.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez.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.
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.
Bill from Rep. Deluzio targets 'ripoff' of costly sports stadiums hot dogs and beer
As President Donald Trump calls affordability concerns a “hoax” and Democrats look to highlight the issue in the upcoming midterm elections,...
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.
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Tuesday, Dec. 23
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
Why This Business Model Is Opening the Door to Entrepreneurship for People With Almost No Capital
Micro-franchising helps people with limited resources become business owners by offering low-cost and proven franchise models.
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.”
The disunity of science is a feature, not a bug
Mathematical models wield miraculous power, but mistaking them for reality has trapped science in a destructive quest for a “Theory of Everything.” Physicist and philosopher Ragner Fjelland argues that this leads to bloated, Frankenstein theories kept alive by clumsy, ad-hoc amendments, which reduce rather than boost science’s power. Fjelland calls for a radical shift in our attitude: we must reorientate towards creating entirely new theories, celebrating rather than lamenting disunity and diversity in science. Science, from the scientific revolution in the seventeenth century to the present day, has more or less developed in a “reductionist” way. The fundamental assumption is that all sciences may be ordered in a hierarchy that can be represented as an upside-down pyramid. At the top we find the human sciences, and at the bottom physics. Strong (or “ontological”) reductionism maintains that all theories at one level can be completely reduced to the lower level, all the way down to theories of atoms and elementary particles, or whatever is “at the bottom.” In the end, all diversity in the world can be unified in one fundamental theory. Hence it is called a final theory, or a Theory of Everything.One of the central figures in developing the idea of a Theory of Everything is the Dutch theoretical physicist Gerard 't Hooft, who received a Nobel Prize in physics in 1999 for his work. He emphasizes the non-empirical status of the theory:There exists no closely resembling alternative theory. This means that any slight change brought about in the rules would make the theory unlikely or inelegant. The theory will be a "package deal": take it, or leave it. This should hold both for the local laws and for the boundary conditions.This endeavor is not new. On the contrary, it goes all the way back to the birth of Western philosophy 2,500 years ago. The Babylonians made regular astronomical observations during a period of 600 years, from 747 BCE until 150 ACE. They developed mathematical techniques to predict astronomical phenomena, but they made no attempts at explaining them. However, the Greeks developed models, both material and theoretical, to explain the observed phenomena.The best example is Plato’s late dialogue Timaeus. Here he introduces a divine craftsman, the Demiurge, who has constructed the universe according to an original plan. Plato seems to have thought that the original plan is what is actually real, while the material world is merely an imperfect realization of it. He therefore does not, in the Timaeus, reconstruct the material universe, but the original plan, which can then be used to explain the material universe.Plato’s aim in producing a theoretical model is to reconstruct the original plan. That is what he carries out in Timaeus—and some modern physicists have embarked on the same project. For example, Einstein’s basic attitude is reflected in the title of Abraham Pais’ biography: “Subtle is the Lord...,” echoing Einstein’s comment, “Subtle is the Lord, but malicious He is not.” In an interview Einstein compared our situation to a child who enters a huge library. The child knows that someone has written the books, but he does not know the languages in which they are written. He suspects that there is a mysterious order, but he does not know what it is.___“We have all been working in what Husserl called the Galilean style; that is, we have all been making abstract mathematical models of the universe to which at least the physicists give a higher degree of reality than they accord the ordinary world of sensation.”Steven Weinberg, Nobel Prize in Physics (1979)___This Platonist view is contrary to a widespread impression of science, symbolized by the picture of the “father” of modern science, Galileo Galilei, with his telescope. According to this impression, Galileo liberated himself from the dominating metaphysics of his day—basically Aristotelian philosophy—and constructed a telescope that he directed towards the sky, showing that Jupiter has four moons. He also performed experiments with bronze balls rolling down inclined planes and found the law of freely falling bodies.However, in other cases Galileo emphasized the unreliability of our senses. It is easy to see why. He defended Copernicus’ heliocentric hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, we are not at rest at the center of the universe, but moving at a tremendous speed through space. Why don’t we observe this motion? Galileo praises Copernicus because “with reason as his guide he resolutely continued to affirm what sensible experience seemed to contradict.” In other places he directly refers to Plato. SUGGESTED VIEWING The quest for a final theory With Michio Kaku Galileo’s Platonism goes back to his early writings. In The Assayer, published as early as 1623, Galileo compared the universe to a grand book that is written in the language of mathematics, and “its characters are triangles, circles, and other geometric figures without which it is humanly impossible to understand a single word of it.” Therefore, things that cannot be described by mathematics—for example, colors, smells and odors—are not real. They are merely subjective.This division into subjective and objective, advocated by Galileo and his younger contemporary René Descartes, is normally associated with a mechanistic world view, which is regarded as the opposite of Platonism. When we reduce something to, for example, molecules and atoms, we move “downwards.” In contrast, the Platonist moves “upwards,” to abstract entities. However, it only shows that when we address fundamental questions, we should be careful in applying everyday spatial metaphors like “up” and “down.”___Nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world.___The endeavor of finding a Theory of Everything has been heavily criticized. In 2006, the theoretical physicist Lee Smolin published “The Crisis in Fundamental Physics.” He argued that one of the most fundamental principles of science is that we should only regard theories as scientific if we have the possibility to show that they are false by experiments. Although he did not refer to Karl Popper, other critics have referred to Popper and argued that a theory is not scientific if it cannot be falsified (see for example Ellis & Silk 2014).These were not the first physicists to be anti-reductionists. In 1972, the journal Science published an article by the physicist Philip Anderson with the title “More Is Different.” This is the kind of article a scientist would normally write only after he has won a Nobel Prize. However, Anderson won the Nobel Prize for physics five years later, in 1977. The article is amazing, not primarily because it argues in favor of anti-reductionism in general, but because it argues for anti-reductionism within physics itself. Anderson’s conclusion was:At each stage entirely new laws, concepts, and generalizations are necessary, requiring inspiration and creativity to just as great a degree as in the previous one. Psychology is not applied biology, nor is biology applied chemistry.We may say that Plato started the “unity of science movement,” based on Euclidean geometry as the model of all knowledge. A distinguishing mark of geometry is that all possible constructions can be reduced to a few fundamental principles. We have to acknowledge that this approach has limitations. In general, we can easily model technological systems. In addition, we may construct simplified and idealized models that capture important aspects of systems, from various perspectives and for various purposes. But nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world. In a complex system, each level has its distinct, emergent, properties that are characteristic of this level. Therefore, a complex system should be investigated at different levels and from different perspectives. Instead of exclusively pursuing a scientific ideal based on the unity of science, we should acknowledge the diversity—or even the disunity—of science.
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.
New York Governor Vetoes Restrictive Health Privacy Law
On December 19, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed the New York Health Information Privacy Act (“NYHIPA”). While NYHIPA bore similarities to
Bryan Cutler, former Pa. House speaker, tells Lancaster County GOP he won't run for reelection in 2026
State Rep. Bryan Cutler, a one-time speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a 20-year veteran lawmaker who represents the southern half of Lancaster County, on Monday told party
Governments Are Starting to Compete Like Startups — And That Changes Everything for Entrepreneurs
When states begin marketing citizenship and incentives, it often marks deeper shifts toward modernization and capital-friendly policy environments.
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Monday, Dec. 22
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
Shoppers Want Easy Choices This Holiday Season — Here's How Small Businesses Can Meet Their Needs
Here are three ways businesses of all sizes can stay in the game this holiday season and set themselves up for long-term growth.
East Moline manufacturer to move business to Iowa to support growing demand, leaders say
This move represents the company’s commitment to growth, innovation and community partnership, company leaders said.
The art of the hook: How Simon Squibb redefines influence
British entrepreneur Simon Squibb made his fortune — then amassed legions of followers by giving away sharp business advice for free.
Calls for penalties as outrage grows over limited release of Epstein files
Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie build bipartisan coalition to hold attorney general Pam Bondi in contempt of Congress
Q&A: Ollie Gabriel, Wedgewood Entertainment District
Musician/entrepreneur behind upcoming businesses Aura Lounge, BHOPS Sports Zone discusses long-range vision for growth
Small Business Support Hubs Spotlight: Battle Creek Food Reimagined
As a Small Business Support Hub and SmartZone, Battle Creek Food Reimagined provides support and a business ecosystem to empower Michigan’s food entrepreneurs
National Education Association spends on politics over teachers
Just 10 cents of every dollar the National Education Association spent in 2025 was on representing teachers. Politics and contributions took nearly four times that amount.
Hoping to Curb Obesity, Chinese City Implements Health Ordinance
With nearly half of Chinese adults classified as overweight or obese, the policy represents the first time a city has enacted reforms directed at weight loss.
MIT Scientists Have Discovered a Way To Rejuvenate the Immune System
As the immune system weakens with age, researchers have found a way to temporarily boost its function by reprogramming liver cells to support T-cell development.
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.
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.
He Started a Business Legally. Now Trump's Mass Deportations Threaten Him and Other Immigrant Entrepreneurs.
Immigrants start businesses at a higher rate than native-born Americans, benefitting not only themselves but also their American workers and customers.
Women entrepreneurs envision business futures in Durango
The number of women founders and employees is catching up to men locally and nationally, but gender-based hurdles persist. epond@durangoherald.com
I Spent $160,000 of My Family's Savings to Bootstrap a Startup — Here's What No One Tells You About Funding
Every dollar counts, and you quickly learn to focus on paying customers and measuring ROI before chasing vanity metrics.
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Saturday, Dec. 20
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
This “mushroom” is not a fungus, it’s a bizarre plant that breaks all the rules
Balanophora is a plant that abandoned photosynthesis long ago and now lives entirely as a parasite on tree roots, hidden in dark forest undergrowth. Scientists surveying rare populations across East Asian islands uncovered how its cellular machinery shrank but didn’t disappear, revealing unexpected similarities to parasites like malaria. Some island species even reproduce without sex, cloning themselves to colonize new habitats. This strange survival strategy comes with risks, leaving the plant highly vulnerable to habitat loss.
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.
The field for New Orleans legislative races has been set. See candidates
The three-day qualifying period to fill a handful of New Orleans’ legislative seats on Friday has ended, setting the stage for new representation within the city's delegation.
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,
Trump to Summon Health Insurers to Ask for Premium Cuts
“I’m going to call a meeting of the insurance companies,” Trump told reporters on Friday at the White House. AHIP, a trade group representing health insurers, said premiums reflect the cost of medical care and that insurers’ margins and administrative costs are regulated.
5 Trust-Building Strategies From Industries That Fight Consumer Skepticism Daily
These five trust-building tips turn skeptics into loyal advocates and give any business a durable competitive advantage.
Opinion: Chicago's civic power players must act now on Latino representation
In a city where Latinos, especially Mexicans, are essential to economic growth and workforce strength, their lack of representation on key leadership platforms is notable.
Integrated Business Program Students Turn Classroom Experience into Community Impact
Students in the College of Business Integrated Business Program worked together to support charities. (ULV Photo/Sasha Chavez) Students Translate Entrepreneurial Skills into Charitable Contributions Students in the College of Business Integrated Business Program presented nearly $15,000 in donations to local and national charities during a ceremony at the Sara and Michael Abraham Campus Center. The […]
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Friday, Dec. 19
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
Why Using Your Home Address for Your Business Can Be a Costly Mistake
One early decision many founders overlook can quietly affect their privacy, credibility and ability to scale.
Kansas City spent decades healing a racial divide. Redistricting could reopen it
A recently enacted US House map would again make Troost Avenue a dividing line in the community, part of a plan to have Democratic-leaning Kansas City represented by three separate Republican lawmakers.
Day 2 of signups for New Orleans legislative races sees 4 new candidates
Five new candidates on Thursday qualified to represent New Orleans in elections that will round out the city’s legislative delegation in Baton Rouge.
Trump's CMS is all-in on health tech
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Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development Shares New $10 Million State Investment and Resource Platform for Small Businesses
HAGERSTOWN, MD (December 18, 2025) The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development is sharing new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small business owners following Governor Wes Moore’s announcement of a $10 million statewide investment and the launch of the Maryland Community Business Compass—a new online platform designed to help businesses start, grow, and expand. The Maryland Community […]
Vermont high school sports scores, results, stats for Thursday, Dec. 18
Vermont high school sports scores and results as reported to the Burlington Free Press sports department.
This Week in Jacksonville - Business Edition: Franchise opportunities grow in River City
In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with David Montanez, vice president of franchise development for Authority Brands, about the growing franchise opportunities in Northeast Florida and beyond. Montanez explains how franchising offers a proven business model that reduces risk and supports entrepreneurs, including many veterans transitioning from military service.
McNeese’s Small Business Center to Help Entrepreneurs Win 2026
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at McNeese State University is inviting entrepreneurs in southwest Louisiana to a free training in January titled “Winning 2026: Strategic…
This Week in Jacksonville - Business Edition: Franchise opportunities grow in River City
In this episode of This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition, Kent Justice talks with David Montanez, vice president of franchise development for Authority Brands, about the growing franchise opportunities in Northeast Florida and beyond. Montanez explains how franchising offers a proven business model that reduces risk and supports entrepreneurs, including many veterans transitioning from military service.
A teenage entrepreneur who does 6-figures in sales explains how anyone can start an e-commerce business with a 3D printer and a couple of hundred dollars
Learn how a teenager built a six-figure business with 3D printing and low-cost resources in high school.
Rethinking Business Education: Kristin Skogen Lund, Chair, INSEAD Board of Directors
INSEAD Board of Directors Chair Kristin Skogen Lund MBA'92J explains why business education must evolve to equip leaders with the skills to navigate AI-driven change and embed AI into strategic decision-making.
2025 in Review: Reds playoff run, Bengals struggles headline year in Cincinnati sports
Another year is almost in the books and for fans of Cincinnati sports teams, 2025 represented a bit of a mixed bag.
ACLU Condemns House Passage of Bill to Criminalize Transgender Health Care | American Civil Liberties Union
WASHINGTON – Today, the House of Representatives voted 216-211 to pass a bill sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene that would criminalize the...
NU administration addresses employee concerns about health care shift at special Faculty Senate meeting
Following Northwestern’s announcement that UnitedHealthcare will replace Blue Cross Blue Shield as the University’s employee health care administrator, human resources representatives fielded faculty concerns at a special Faculty Senate meeting Thursday. The University announced June 12 that all medical plans for NU faculty and staff will be administered by UnitedHealthcare starting Jan. 1, 2026. Faculty...
Young Democrat launches primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson in Mississippi
A 33-year-old antitrust lawyer with ties to major Democratic politicians is challenging U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson to represent Mississippi's 2nd congressional district.
4 Ways You Can Turn Your Legacy Business Into a Modern Powerhouse
Businesses that blend traditional expertise with modern systems, transparency and customer education are gaining a powerful competitive edge.
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.
Why Being a Black, Female Science Teachers Matters So Much to Students Like Me
Educator's view: Diversity in teaching and STEM is not just about who stands at the front of the classroom, but about who kids believe they can become
Musk’s doubts about DOGE spotlight political risks for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans
Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach is heading into the 2026 election cycle with one of the most precarious political balancing acts in the country, as her strong support for the Department of Government Efficiency collides with new doubts about the program — and the realities of representing a district heavily reliant on federal jobs.The challenge sharpened last week when Elon Musk, the billionaire tech executive who helped architect DOGE, told GOP podcaster Katie Miller that the initiative had been only “somewhat successful” and said bluntly that he would not do it again. In the interview, Musk acknowledged the political and practical blowback from DOGE, which was launched early in President Donald Trump’s second term with the stated goal of slashing government spending and reshaping the federal workforce.
I thought I edged it - Carey on review reprieve
Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey says he thought he edged the ball when he was given not out on review during day one of the third Ashes Test.
Grants boost 4 Eastern Oregon business programs
Four Eastern Oregon organizations that help grow businesses each received financial boosts those efforts from the Oregon Community Foundation’s Thriving Entrepreneurs program.
Florida Realtors PAC throws its weight behind Bill Poteet in HD 82 GOP Primary
'He would be an outstanding addition to the Florida House of Representatives.'
AI blueprint from NAACP prioritizes health equity in model development
Artificial intelligence could further widen race-based disparities in healthcare, the organization says. Its new blueprint is meant as a first step in a larger, more ambitious campaign to ensure that racial fairness is a priority for U.S. healthcare AI.
James Talarico might be the antidote to MAGA Christianity
James Talarico, a Texas state representative and devout Christian, has gained attention for using his faith to advance liberal policies and has now announced his candidacy for the 2026 U.S. Senate …
Elmhurst Business Group Barred From City Committee
The association's representative could have conflicts of interest, according to a city committee.
Veterinarian and Animal Science Graduate James F. Dougherty Named to Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni
The Class of 2026 inductees into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni have excelled in a varied range of fields—obstetrics and gynecology, addiction prevention and treatment, veterinary medicine, football and entrepreneurship, and government and insurance industry leadership—but they all share a uniquely Scarlet bond: A significant, unwavering devotion to supporting the university where they began […]
Diversity and representation of women on streaming TV series in sharp decline, UCLA study shows
The latest edition of the Hollywood Diversity Report released Tuesday determined that the top shows in 2024 were less culturally diverse than the previous year.