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Nicki Minaj’s Embrace of Trump-Era Politics Has Fans Asking Questions
The Trinidad and Tobago-born hip-hop artist's motives are under scrutiny.
Supreme Court rules against Trump, bars deploying National Guard in Chicago
The decision is the major defeat for Trump and his broad claim that he had the power to deploy military forces in U.S. cities.
Supreme Court hands Trump a major defeat on National Guard deployment
The Supreme Court holds that the president’s authority to deploy the National Guard for law enforcement purposes likely only applies in “exceptional” circumstances.
TPUSA’s America Fest Conference Showcased the Right’s Civil War
Prominent conservative influencers and lawmakers sparred at TPUSA's America Fest, it's first major conference since the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Texas' Historically Underutilized Business program undergoes major changes
Thousands of Texas small businesses that were part of the HUB program no longer qualify.
DOJ Document Dump - Inside Politics with Dana Bash and Manu Raju - Podcast on CNN Podcasts
Oklahoma City, fans across the state will never forget the year of sports in 2025
KOCO 5 Sports Director Bryan Keating replays some of the many major and championship sports moments from 2025 in Oklahoma City
Why Sports Is The Fastest Way To Break CTV’s Programmatic Ceiling
Programmatic media buying is expected to account for the majority of growth in the CTV market in 2026. This year alone, over 90% of CTV ad dollars were transacted through programmatic pipes. That data isn’t surprising. Programmatic has solved a real problem by helping brands reach TV viewers with targeted precision at much lower costs. […]
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.”
These 5 Atlanta arts venues will open new or renovated spaces in 2026, 2027
Atlanta has a sizable list of new venues poised to open in the next two years, while favorites like Fernbank Museum and Woodruff Arts Center are getting upgrades.
Looking Back on 2025’s Most Memorable Political Style Moments
From our first glimpse at Rama Duwaji’s first-lady look to the stink over men in pink, fashion found its way into the political discourse in more ways than one this year.
UW-Stevens Point launches sport business program in fall 2026
UW-Stevens Point will launch a sport business major, minor and certificate in fall 2026, preparing students for careers in a $600B industry.
Ayushmann Khurrana Banks on Family Entertainment With Four-Film Slate Following ‘Thamma’ Success (EXCLUSIVE)
Ayushmann Khurrana discusses his shift to family entertainers after 'Thamma' success, upcoming Sooraj Barjatya film, and four-project slate for 2026.
Jim Beam is pausing production at its iconic Kentucky bourbon distillery
Distilled spirits have seen a major decline in exports to big markets like Canada, and domestic consumption isn't making up for the shortfall.
Oregon Counties and State Strike Major Deal on Mental Health Care
Oregon’s state government and its main association of counties have settled on a plan that would empower the Oregon Health Authority to more closely monitor and shape mental health and addiction services at the local level.
10 Major Business Openings, Closings, Developments For South Jersey In 2025
Smaller establishments closed, bigger names took root, and signs of the changing political and economic landscapes were visible throughout.
Maridea Wealth Launches Tax & Business Services Unit With Strategic Acquisition of Hyperion Accounting Group
BROOKLYN, N.Y., December 22, 2025--Maridea Wealth ("Maridea") today announced the launch of its dedicated Tax & Business Services unit, marking a major expansion of the firm’s mission to provide clients with a comprehensive, integrated financial-services platform. As part of this initiative, Maridea is acquiring Hyperion Accounting Group, led by David Papotta, who will join as Director of Tax & Business Services.
FSU board OKs College of Business naming after billionaire's $65M gift
FSU's College of Business now bears the name of a billionaire after businessman and philanthropist Herbert Wertheim’s major gift commitment.
Was Nicki Minaj always a Trump supporter? She spoke at Turning Point USA
Rapper Nicki Minaj expressed support of President Donald Trump at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest. She previously mentioned him in "Black Barbies."
Entertainment headlines with TMZ
TMZ takes a look at the entertainment stories making headlines, including the aftermath of the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, the death of actor James Ransone and rapper Nicki Minaj at a TPUSA event.
Apple Wallet’s iOS 26 boarding passes now offered by three major airlines
Apple Wallet has a new experience for boarding passes in iOS 26, and another major airline has recently added support for 3+ total.
Samsung ‘Wide Fold’ rumored to rival Apple’s foldable next year
A battle over book-style foldables.
Launch Family Entertainment closes out 2025 with record growth, six new openings, and accelerated multi-unit development
WARWICK, R.I. – Launch Family Entertainment (Launch), a leading indoor family entertainment franchise, is ending 2025 with major development milestones, including six new park openings, 13 secured …
Revealed: how big businesses are rolling back public support for Pride
Guardian analysis of 20 major companies in UK and US shows mentions of Pride on social media have fallen substantially in past two years
Foldable phone makers have solved every issue except one
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold proved that manufacturers have solved all the major issues with foldable phones except one last thing.
Top 10 business & market articles of 2025
FleetOwner's top market articles, where major closures and consolidations reflected the industry's hard times this year.
The big business stories in Hollywood with entertainment reporter John Horn
With box office revenues continuing to slump, a major studio up for sale, and the announcement that the Academy Awards will go to YouTube in 2029, this has been a tumultuous year in Hollywood.
Inside the North Carolina GOP’s Decade-Long Push to Seize Power From the State’s Democratic Governors
For almost a decade, North Carolina’s majority-Republican legislature tried six times to strip Democratic governors of control over the board overseeing the swing state’s elections. This year, it finally succeeded.
Two 200MP cameras and a 10x camera?! This is the Ultra phone to end all Ultra phones.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was the last major phone with a 10x camera, but a rival Ultra phone is tipped to offer a crazy 10x camera and much more.
Kings 125, Rockets 124: Houston suffers another late meltdown
For a second time in four days, the Rockets (17-9) blew a second-half lead of at least 14 points to a team with six-or-fewer wins entering the game.
Tillamook businesses celebrate major sales boost on Small Business Saturday
Downtown Tillamook was buzzing on Black Friday, and again on November 29, as small businesses welcomed a steady stream of shoppers for the Tillamook Chamber’s annual Small Business Saturday event.
Canopy Northwest Arkansas expo in Fayetteville puts focus on immigrants pursuing business dreams
FAYETTEVILLE -- Businesses ranging from makers of homemade jams and jellies to major home renovators lined the walls at Canopy Northwest Arkansas' immigrant-owned business expo.
Read the memos Google, Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow sent visa workers warning them not to travel
The US is now reviewing the social media of some visa applicants. Several major tech companies are warning visa holders not to leave the country.
Former Duke football players use 3D printing to transform sports medicine
Their innovative products are now widely adopted across major sports leagues and colleges.
This simulation reveals what really happens near black holes
Black holes are among the most extreme objects in the universe, and now scientists can model them more accurately than ever before. By combining Einstein’s gravity with realistic behavior of light and matter, researchers have built simulations that closely match real astronomical observations. These models reveal how matter forms chaotic, glowing disks and launches powerful outflows as it falls into black holes. It’s a major step toward decoding how these cosmic engines actually work.
Colorado’s business competitiveness shows cracks as investment drifts out of state
Business experts say 2025 was a mixed bag for Colorado's business climate.
WATCH: Nicki Minaj discusses faith and politics with Erika Kirk at Turning Point USA summit
Rapper Nicki Minaj on Sunday made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona that was memorializing late activist Charlie Kirk, and used her time on stage to praise President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men.
US pursuing another tanker ship near Venezuela amid Trump blockade
The US is pursuing a vessel in international waters near Venezuela on Sunday after attempting to intercept it, a US official said, as President Donald Trump’s administration tightens its crackdown on the country’s oil industry.
Nicki Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona event
Female rapper Nicki Minaj has made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona.
Chargers vs. Cowboys: First-half takeaways from Week 16 game
The Chargers lead the Cowboys at the half.
Close Up: Longtime school superintendents move toward retirement; latest on health insurance
On this week's Close Up, a major health insurance deadline just passed and Congress left town without a deal.
Devils Confirm Major Lineup Returns vs. Sabres
It truly is a Christmas/Holiday miracle. The New Jersey Devils confirm they will have major lineup returns when they host […]
Gene Simmons tells Americans to 'shut up and stop worrying' about politics of their neighbors
Gene Simmons told CNN's Manu Raju Sunday that Americans should stop worrying about their neighbors' political beliefs and said, "It's their America too."
U.S, Nigeria sign $5.1 B health MOU, largest co‑investment under America First strategy
The United States has signed a five-year, $5
10 best concerts of 2025, ranked
From Backstreet Boys to Oasis, we saw more than two dozen major shows in 2025. Here are the 10 most remarkable concerts of the year.
Jake Ferguson start or sit: Week 16 fantasy football advice
We break down the fantasy football outlook of Jake Ferguson ahead of Week 16
Science says we’ve been nurturing “gifted” kids all wrong
A major international review has upended long-held ideas about how top performers are made. By analyzing nearly 35,000 elite achievers across science, music, chess, and sports, researchers found that early stars rarely become adult superstars. Most world-class performers developed slowly and explored multiple fields before specializing. The message is clear: talent grows through variety, not narrow focus.
Review: ‘Wizard of Oz’ sprinkles new magic on the classic story
City Springs Theatre’s “The Wizard of Oz” re-creates the 1939 classic film as faithfully as possible with fun performances, great music and Broadway-quality design.
12/21 Big Ten Basketball Preview: Oregon vs. Gonzaga
There are six Big Ten games set for the day, mainly involving schools at home hosting mid-majors. The two exceptions, however, include Penn State taking on Pitt in Hershey Pennsylvania and Oregon facing Gonzaga in the Northwest Elite Showdown in Portland. Pittsburgh vs Penn State Nittany Lions The first game of the day involves an […]
Textbook basketball from Tajianna Roberts! 🙌
Textbook basketball from Tajianna Roberts! 🙌
Do it for Trump: Treasury pushes businesses, wealthy people to contribute to 'Trump Accounts'
A pair of major contributions from business titans recently is part of a strategy to pump money into the new savings plans for children.
Men’s brains may age faster than women’s, suggests major new study | BBC Science Focus Magazine
Brain ageing is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, yet women are more at risk of Alzheimer's than men.
I Bought a Used iPhone 13 Mini and Learned a Hard Lesson
Commentary: The iPhone Air intrigued me but I didn't want to spend $1,000. So I got a $353 used iPhone 13 Mini, and found it quite capable despite a major drawback.
The ‘Cookie and Coal’ awards for 2025 in Georgia politics
Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Patricia Murphy reflects on who has been naughty and nice in Georgia politics for 2025.
Major collapse: perennial troublemaker to rescue crisis club
There are those images that burn themselves into the collective memory of an entire football club. For example, a sold-out Merkur Spiel-Arena on May 27, 2024. With the 3-0 win from the first leg in Bo...
‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Another Health Condition, Study Says
Researchers have found a new link between exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ and one lifelong health condition. A Sweden-based study found that people exposed to two major environmental toxins are more likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Jackson councilman concerned about business closures in city
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Businesses leaving Jackson is a trend many officials said they’re seeing more and more. Now, another long-standing business could be next if a major bridge stays…
Major Kentucky bourbon maker Jim Beam shuttering distillery for 2026
The move comes as Kentucky’s $9 billion bourbon industry is dealing with a glut of supply and slipping sales.
Midwest Health acquires Overland Park senior-living facility
Midwest Health Inc. acquired Homestead Estates Memory Care in Overland Park, marking its second major Johnson County purchase this month.
Krispy Kreme sells business in major market for $65 million
The company has debt to pay, it said.
Trump secures agreements with major drugmakers to lower Medicaid prescription costs for Americans
President Donald Trump announced Friday that nine additional pharmaceutical companies joined its most-favored-nation pricing initiative.
Orioles Continue Hot Offseason, Improve Rotation With Impact Trade
The Baltimore Orioles have had one of the most active and successful offseasons in Major League Baseball, having already added Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, and Taylor Ward to their roster entering Friday. Even so, Orioles PBO Mike Elias has remained under intense pressure to fill Baltimore’s most glaring need: starting pitching. Baltimore has two talented […]
NFL Week 16 bold predictions: Philip Rivers torches 49ers, Jaguars stun Broncos
A crucial Week 16 slate of five bold predictions with major postseason implications.
The Business of Sports Tourism: How Dallas Converts Sporting Events Into Long-Term Economic Growth
On the DLC Drop Podcast, Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul explains how the region recruits major sporting events—and what hosting nine 2026 FIFA World Cup matches means for Dallas–Fort Worth’s economy, community, and global brand.
Entering an Important Window of Time - Kansas State University Athletics
Kansas State head coach Jeff Mittie said that he loves this time of year. The university is on winter break, meaning academics aren't a part of the equation,...
News Analysis: Trump's math problem: Rising prices, falling approval ratings
Rising prices have given President Trump a major political problem: Many of the voters who backed him last year are losing faith.
Where to Find Lorwyn Eclipsed Previews
Our return to the plane of Lorwyn-Shadowmoor is here! Prepare for a pastoral preview season when Lorwyn Eclipsed debuts on January 5, 2026.
Jets-Saints Preview
NEW ORLEANS (AP) The New Orleans Saints and New York Jets have gone through major staff and roster changes in the past year, the result being seven victories between them 15 weeks into the season.
T. Rogers Wade, mentor and adviser to prominent Georgia politicians, has died
T. Rogers Wade mentored generations of young Georgians, like Attorney General Chris Carr, seeking traction in politics and the business world.
Trump signs order to expand access to marijuana, lower taxes on cannabis businesses
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that puts in motion the reclassification of marijuana as a Schedule III drug.
Why does free agency matter more in MLB than in other sports?: Watch
Baseball free agency is unlike any other major-league free agency in North American sports.
7 moments that defined UCLA sports in 2025
Read about the standout performances, major transitions and alumni who made headlines on the biggest stages in sports.
AFC North Recap Week 15: Ravens end Bengals’ season
Only two teams remain in the hunt for the AFC North crown after the Ravens’ Week 15 win over the Bengals.
College basketball conference rankings: Big 12 tops high-major hierarchy
With nonconference play winding down, here's how the high-major conference hierarchy is shaping up
How former Republican Geoff Duncan plans to win Georgia for Democrats
With a pitch to Democrats, independents and 'disgusted' Republicans, Geoff Duncan says he's the only Democrat who can beat Republicans in 2026.
Christiana Care, Virtua Health scrap regional care system plans
The two major healthcare networks signed a letter of intent "to explore the co-founding of a regional not-for-profit health system" back in July.
Cessna business jet crashes at North Carolina airport; plane owned by NASCAR driver reports say
A private jet crashed Thursday morning at a North Carolina regional airport and the wreckage burst into flames.
Westwood One Sports Unveils Sports Talk Lineup
ATLANTA and NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cumulus Media’s Westwood One today unveiled its new Sports Talk lineup, debuting Monday, December 29, 2025. This bold expansion delivers nonstop sports conversation, expert analysis, and fan engagement across all major platforms. The new programming lineup features a mix of established voices and rising stars, giving listeners access to compelling content around the clock. The Jim Rome Show will remain in its prime 3 pm – 6 pm ET weekday sl
AJ McCarron named head coach of Birmingham Stallions, steps back from politics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback and NFL veteran AJ McCarron has officially been named the new head coach of the Birmingham Sta
Galaxy Z Fold 8 tipped to upgrade two cameras next year
Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rumored to get major camera upgrades next year, including higher-resolution telephoto and ultrawide shooters.
Banijay Entertainment Expands Creator Push With Breakout Format ‘All Star Hide and Seek’ From Finnish YouTuber Roni Bäck (EXCLUSIVE)
Banijay has picked up the breakout streaming format 'All Star Hide and Seek,' underscoring a broader push into creator-led entertainment.
Blank Foundation to give $6 million to sports programs in metro Atlanta schools
The foundation, in partnership with Atlanta United, the Atlanta Falcons and the PGA Tour Superstore, will provide the funding to six school districts over three years.
Democrats’ showing in Georgia special elections boosts party, unnerves Republicans
Competitive special elections have put once-securely Republican districts in play for Democrats, who seek to inch toward controlling the Georgia House in 2026.
Popular salad dressings, sold at Costco and reportedly Publix, recalled over ‘foreign objects’
Ventura Foods salad dressing recall affects thousands of cases at major retailers such as Costco due to black plastic contamination in onion ingredients.
Global Business Travel Group (GBTG): Reassessing Valuation After Recent Share Price Rebound and CWT Acquisition Progress
Global Business Travel Group (GBTG) has been quietly reshaping its business travel platform, and the stock’s recent mix of gains over the past month and weakness year to date has investors reassessing its trajectory. See our latest analysis for Global Business Travel Group. Despite the year to date share price return sitting in negative territory, the recent 1 month share price rebound and a solid three year total shareholder return suggest sentiment may be stabilising around Global Business...
Scientists spent 10 years chasing a particle that wasn’t there
After a decade of painstaking measurements, scientists have delivered a major plot twist in particle physics: a long-hypothesized “mystery particle” likely doesn’t exist. Using the MicroBooNE experiment at Fermilab, researchers analyzed neutrinos from two powerful beams and found no evidence for a sterile neutrino, ruling it out with 95% certainty.
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.
Dolphins bench Tua Tagovailoa for Quinn Ewers and an uncertain, expensive future
The Dolphins benched Tagovailoa after the worst season of his career and turned to Ewers, the former No. 1 recruit in the country, igniting major questions about Tagovailoa's future and a contract that Miami can't escape
Galaxy Z Flip 8 rumors point to a thinner build, better display
Rumors claim that the Galaxy Z Flip 8 will introduce major upgrades, particularly a thinner build and performance improvements.
Apple Seen Moving From AI Laggard To Leader In 2026
Morgan Stanley sees Apple becoming an AI leader in 2026, starting with a new Siri digital assistant. Apple stock is in a tight pattern.
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.
OnePlus 15R review: unbeatable battery life, beatable value
Charging every night is extremely optional.
Three Things Learned from UNC’s win against ETSU
A good win against a pretty quality mid-major foe
Thermal Energy Receives $1.5 Million in Repeat Business from Multinational Building Materials Company
Turnkey heat recovery project for four two-stage HeatSponge boiler economizers to be installed at second customer siteOttawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2025) - Thermal Energy International Inc. (TSXV: TMG) (OTCQB: TMGEF) ("Thermal Energy" or the "Company"), a provider of innovative energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction solutions to major corporations around the world, today announced an order valued at approximately $1.5 million from a leading multinational building...
Americans are more dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of the economy than ever, poll shows
Fifty-seven percent of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the economy, according to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll.
Jake Paul vows to beat Anthony Joshua and 'shock the world', promises 'biggest upset in sports history'
Jake Paul the underdog for fight with former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua but vows to shock the world; AJ , who says he is honoured to be invited to America, could fight Tyson Fury in 2026 with talks taking place between the respective camps
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.