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Alexa+ now available to everyone in the US—and free for Prime members
Alexa+ is the newest Prime benefit, giving members in the U.S. a powerful AI assistant accessible by voice, browser, and the Alexa app for no additional cost—and now anyone can try Alexa+ at Alexa.com.
Rumour: Xenoblade Chronicles Voice Actor Might Have Leaked Evidence Of A New Release
Are you feeling it?
Rumor: Voice actor page leaks Xenoblade game for 2026
A new voice actor leak has allegedly outed a Xenoblade game for 2026, and it could be the return of Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Deloitte Device Day returns to the Capitol to support Florida’s military families
Helping people stay connected to the voices that matter most, in the moments that matter most.
Bill affirming St. Johns as Black History Museum site, creating Board, sent to Senate floor
Several public speakers urged safeguards to ensure historians and community voices, not politics, guide the museum’s narrative.
Nicki Minaj says Trump bullying pushed her into politics as MAGA supporter
Since aligning herself with the Trump administration, Minaj has garnered blow back from prominent voices in the entertainment industry.
Sunday Standings: Time to believe?
Over the summer, a respected voice like Elliotte Friedman really drove home a lot of feelings about the Pittsburgh Penguins in a podcast: “It’s really hard to make deals right now because there are 31 teams in the NHL attempting to get better….then there is Pittsburgh” Turns out the signings of players like Anthony Mantha, […]
Opera to Broadway with a Shakespearean Twist
The voice of William Shakespeare continues to resonate centuries later, inspiring some of the greatest works in opera and musical theater.
Asking Eric: If I call my son, he hangs up as soon as he hears my voice
I don’t know if I should keep trying to contact him. I have no idea why he cut me out of his life and he hasn’t told me.
Figure skating great Gracie Gold remains a champion as an Olympic mental health ambassador, and other thoughts
Gold is an important voice in the work to remove stigmas about mental health and to coach young athletes in more healthful ways.
Fresno protests, student walkouts and business closures mark nationwide strike against ICE
A nationwide strike brought protests, student walkouts and business closures to Fresno as demonstrators voiced opposition to the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown.
These New Orleans businesses and restaurants are participating in national ICE Out protest
“We're excited about the possibility of not only bringing attention to what we don't want to happen in our communities, and then hopefully, you know, raise some good money to give voice and enable those who are defending people who are our neighbors,” the owner of Flour Moon said.
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine Announces Leadership Transition and Next Phase of Growth
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth (TBBW) today announced a leadership transition and the start of a new chapter for the publication, marking a significant milestone in its continued evolution as a leading voice for the region's business community.
Why the UK’s toughest immigration voices are often politicians of colour
As parties harden their stance on borders, minority politicians have become political cover against racism accusations.
Cubs TV voice Jon 'Boog' Sciambi tops sixth annual Chicago sports media power rankings
I ranked the market’s talent exclusively on TV, radio and podcasts based on appeal, quality, longevity and personal preference. Well over 100 people were considered, and the top 20 follow, with last year’s rank in parentheses.
The Jeff Boals Show Returns Tonight at The Gem Sports Bar
ATHENS, Ohio — The Jeff Boals Show returns this Thursday, January 29, on the Ohio Sports Network from Learfield, presented by Holzer Health System. This week, the live broadcast will take place from 6pm-7pm at The Gem Sports Bar. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Join the "Voice of Bobcat Basketball," Jason Toy, and the seventh year head coach of the Ohio Bobcats, Jeff Boals, for a weekly recap and a look ahead at upcoming matchups. This week's special guests include sophomore forward Ayden Evans (Radcliff, Ky.) and freshman forward Jordan Fisher (Pickerington, Ohio)
Disney Entertainment Television Unveils 2026 Directing & Writing Program Participants
EXCLUSIVE: Disney Entertainment Television has chosen its participants for the 2025-26 Directing and Writing Programs, talent development initiatives which connect emerging writers and directors with opportunities across DET’s scripted and unscripted television slate. “This year’s cohorts reflect the bold, original voices that will help shape the next era of television,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice …
Launch of the United Advocacy Working Group for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH)
A new United Advocacy Working Group for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) has been officially launched to strengthen coordination and collective voice across global, regional and country levels. Established as a light-touch platform, the Working Group aims to align advocacy efforts, share evidence and political intelligence, and coordinate key messages and moments in support of EWENE-CSA priorities and the broader MNCH agenda.
Google pays $68 million to settle claims its voice assistant spied on users
The tech giant did not admit wrongdoing in the case.
FOX SPORTS PRESENTS HISTORIC 150th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA PRO PLAN JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 2–3 - Fox Sports Press Pass
FOX Sports and Westminster Kennel Club Offer Multiplatform Coverage of Landmark Anniversary Including 13th Annual Masters Agility Championship January 31 on FOX and Best In Show February 3 on FS1 Milestone Year Features Veteran Broadcaster Lineup Special Celebrity Voiceovers From […]
‘My People Need Me!!! And I Need Them’: Bad Bunny’s Political Awakening in Puerto Rico
An exclusive excerpt from the book 'P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance' traces the star's music and activism.
Google settles privacy lawsuit for $68m over voice assistant
Tech company denied illegally recording and circulating private conversations to send phone users targeted ads
Innovative Artists Entertainment Signs Jim Cummings, Voice Actor Behind Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Tasmanian Devil & Other Classic Characters
Veteran voice actor Jim Cummings has inked with Innovative Artists Entertainment for representation, Deadline can report exclusively.
The Sports Rapport
Welcome to The Sports Rapport. We explore the teams, athletes, and stories that shape sports across Vermont, from major matchups to niche, local pursuits. Guided by host Mitch Wertlieb and fueled by many voices, we dig into what sports mean to Vermonters in a way that feels accessible, human, and alive.Whether you’re a diehard fan or just sports-curious, this is a place to pull up a chair and join the conversation! Join us live on YouTube every Monday at 2 p.m. for lively conversation and thoughtful storytelling, all with the depth and curiosity you expect from Vermont Public. Subscribe on YouTube, listen wherever you get your podcasts or tune in on the radio Monday nights at 8.
Voices: Before we declare religion harmful to women’s health, let’s look at the evidence
“Across religious traditions, the pattern is clear,” write three researchers in an op-ed. “In nearly every case — and across two distinct datasets — greater religious attendance is associated with better health.”
Daniyal Mueenuddin on the Depths of Business Relationships
First Draft: A Dialogue of Writing is a weekly show featuring in-depth interviews with fiction, nonfiction, essay writers, and poets, highlighting the voices of writers as they discuss their work, …
Killing Prompts Only a Defiant Response From Trump
Even as the second death of a protester in Minnesota brought demands for accountability, the president, insulated from dissenting voices, stuck to his pattern of reflexively blaming opponents.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Nintendo Direct: Everything Announced
Nintendo has revealed a new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie during this weekend's surprise Nintendo Direct, revealing Yoshi in full.
‘Voice of the farmers’: Supporters, political brass remember Rep. Doug LaMalfa
Farmers and friends remembered LaMalfa at a Chico memorial service Saturday.
Seton Hall students offer college sports betting solutions amid investigation into former DePaul players
The Voice of the Seton Hall Community.
Shota Inoue
I’d like to be involved in the type of innovation that really makes a difference for people.
BOB COSTAS RETURNS TO NBC SPORTS, TO HOST SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL PREGAME SHOW
Costas Served as a Play-by-Play Voice and Host for NBC Sports’ MLB Coverage for 15 Seasons & Was Honored in 2018 by Baseball Hall of Fame with Historic Ford Frick Award for Excellence in Baseball Broadcasting
The Jeff Boals Show Returns Tonight at The Gem Sports Bar
ATHENS, Ohio — The Jeff Boals Show returns this Thursday, January 22, on the Ohio Sports Network from Learfield, presented by Holzer Health System. This week, the live broadcast will take place from 6pm-7pm at The Gem Sports Bar. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Join the "Voice of Bobcat Basketball," Jason Toy, and the seventh year head coach of the Ohio Bobcats, Jeff Boals, for a weekly recap and a look ahead at upcoming matchups. This week's special guests include redshirt senior guard Dior Conners (Columbus, Ohio) and Ohio Softball head coach Jenna Hall.
How to Change the Politics Blocking the Housing We Need
It’s important to give renters a stronger voice. And we need to make big bets on new ways to build.
Berlin residents voice concerns over food waste facility despite health assessment
State health officials concluded there are no health risks from a food waste facility that has drawn complaints from residents for more than two years, but some say improvements still aren’t enough.
Hundreds in Seattle, Olympia rally to show Trump ‘we are not powerless’
About 700 people turned out for a pair of rallies Tuesday afternoon in Seattle and Olympia, raising their voices against the "fear of losing our democracy."
Discover Your Next Premier Office Space at Erie Station Business Park
Voice of Business Blog Guest post from Greater Rochester Chamber member Konar Properties Class A office space now available at the Williams Mill Office Center, located in Erie Station Business Park in West Henrietta. Home to over 15 leading companies-including Rivian, CooperVision, ADT, DDS Companies, and more-this location is a proven destination for innovative and…
Relaxed alcohol recommendations about nostalgia, not science
The misunderstanding didn’t announce itself. It just lingered there between us, polite and voiceless, like a third party on a Zoom call who forgot to unmute.
Google app finally redesigns voice search on Android
Google is rolling out a significant redesign and modernization of voice search on Android inspired by AI Mode and Search Live.
Lee Health: Share your voice to shape local healthcare
The survey helps identify health disparities, barriers to care, and priority areas for action.
Personnel note: FPMA announces Pierce Schuessler as CEO
'We are confident that his vision and commitment will strengthen our association and elevate the voice of our members statewide.'
Voices: When religion and sexism collide, women’s health suffers
“Inclusion is more than a title or a sentiment,” writes Susan R. Madsen in an op-ed. “Multiple studies show that ‘inclusive’ does not mean offering warm statements about valuing women while upholding teachings that reinforce benevolent sexism.”
Evoke Entertainment, Tom DeLonge’s To The Stars Teaming On Surf Drama ‘Bali Hai’; Former Pro Surfer Matt George To Pen Script & Produce
EXCLUSIVE: Evoke Entertainment and blink-182 frontman Tom DeLonge’s To the Stars Media are teaming to develop and produce Bali Hai, a surf drama to be written and co-produced by Matt George, the former pro surfer who has been one of the most influential voices in surf journalism for more than three decades. Set to shoot …
Abby Alder
A lot of people are less tech-savvy, and AI allows us to meet those people in unique and meaningful ways.
Duluth business owners speaking out on immigration enforcement
Business owners across the northland have taken to social media to publicly voice their stance on ICE.
CT officials voice concerns about Trump health care plan
Connecticut health officials and lawmakers on Thursday expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s new health care policy framework.
Horman leaves a deep imprint, a complex legacy
For more than a decade, no legislator has put more fingerprints on education budgets — or had more of a voice in the private school choice debate. But as Horman leaves the Statehouse, the Legislature will have to wrestle Idaho's biggest budget crunch in nearly 20 years, and implement a new private school tax credit law.
Players v Grand Slams: Are top-10 stars being reasonable?
As another Grand Slam season dawns, many players still believe they are undervalued and denied a voice in key decisions made by the majors.
ESPN 1000's Marc Silverman eviscerates Bulls voice Chuck Swirsky for criticizing Bears coach Ben Johnson
When asked Tuesday if he had heard what Silverman said, Swirsky replied, “I respect your question. I hope you respect my answer. No comment.” Silverman said he doesn't regret the rant.
Prof. Dorit Reiss Wins National Award for Distinguished Service in Health Law - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
Professor Dorit Reiss, who brings legal expertise to public health debates, has received a national award for her lasting contributions to the field as a scholar, policy adviser, and mentor. Faculty Who Lead: Dorit Reiss Professor Dorit Reiss receives the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. She is a leading expert on vaccine law, advising policymakers and providing expert analysis to journalists. Reiss mentors future health law scholars and combats misinformation online through evidence-based public education. Professor Dorit Reiss, a leading voice on vaccine law and policy, has won a national award recognizing her contributions to health law. She received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. Presented at the AALS Annual Meeting in January, the award honors sustained service to public health and the health law academy through advocacy, public education, and mentorship. In presenting the award, Professor Doron Dorfman of Seton Hall Law School, chair-elect of the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care, described Reiss as “a committed public health advocate who has used her expertise to influence vaccine policy, research, and practice at both the state and federal levels for nearly two decades.” Reiss leads a widely read vaccine law listserv that provides real-time updates on litigation, regulatory developments, advisory committee proceedings, and public comment opportunities. The resource has become an important tool for lawyers, scholars, journalists, and public health professionals tracking fast-moving developments in vaccine policy. Her service extends to policymaking as well. She has supported vaccine-related legislation in California, testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on vaccine mandates and non-medical exemptions, and serves on the Parent Advisory Board of Voices for Vaccines, a parent-led organization focused on reducing vaccine-preventable disease. Dorfman also highlighted Reiss’ active role in robust debates over vaccine safety and related laws and policies. “She directly engages misinformation by responding to anti-vaccination claims on social media with careful, evidence-based rebuttals,” Dorfman said. As federal vaccine policy undergoes significant change, Reiss has become a trusted source for major national news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, which regularly seek her expert analysis on new policies and decisions. Dorfman noted that Reiss is widely respected for her mentorship of health law faculty and scholars. “She is consistently generous with her time—approachable, willing to provide feedback, and a mentor to many in the field, including myself,” he said. At UC Law SF, Reiss brings the spirit of public service into the classroom, helping students understand how legal frameworks translate into real-world public health outcomes. She holds the James Edgar Hervey ’50 Chair of Litigation, a position that recognizes faculty excellence in the field of litigation. The Distinguished Service Award highlights her sustained commitment to evidence-based vaccine policy, public education, and mentorship during a pivotal time for public health law.
Joe Starkey returns to TribLive as sports columnist
Veteran sports columnist and broadcaster Joe Starkey is joining TribLive, the company announced Tuesday, adding one of the most respected voices in Western Pennsylvania to its sports coverage of Pittsburgh’s professional and college teams. Starkey, who worked at the Trib earlier in his career, is an award-winning sportscaster, radio host
The science of support: Justin Lavner’s work to improve relationships and well-being
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”text-container first-paragraph”] Long before he became a leading voice in relationship science, Justin Lavner was simply fascinated by people. “I’ve always been interested in understanding why people are the way they are,” said Lavner, a professor and the director of clinical training in the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ … Continue reading “The science of support: Justin Lavner’s work to improve relationships and well-being”
Powell's Made This Political: Sen. Marshall
Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his thoughts on the DOJ serving the Federal Reserve with subpoenas and whether or not he agrees with some of his GOP colleagues who will oppose any Federal Reserve nominations with this going on. Senator Marshall voices his support for President Trump's credit card interest rate cap proposal and discusses what's next on health care from the Senate. He speaks with Joe Mathieu and Julie Fine on the late edition of Bloomberg's "Balance of Power." (Source: Bloomberg)
Voices: A new rural health care grant isn’t enough. Utah’s children deserve better.
“Accepting deep Medicaid cuts while celebrating a limited rural grant sends the wrong message and puts families at risk,” writes Moe Hickey, Executive Director of Voices for Utah Children, in an op-ed.
Wearing a weighted vest can promote bone health and weight loss, but it's not a cure-all
Weighted vests are among the latest fitness trends. But like any tool, their effectiveness depends on their use.
CNBC making changes to business day programming
CNBC editor in chief David Cho sent out the following on Friday: Team, I want to share some exciting updates to our Business Day programming that will help strengthen our editorial strategy, sharpen our on-air voices, and position us for continued growth across platforms. In addition to their current on-air responsibilities,Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli will serve […]
Voices: Amid significant threats, Utah will prioritize public health funding, evidence-based programs and the workforce that protects us all
“In 2026, public health is neither retreating nor standing still,” write Caitlyn Jasumback and Morgan Hadden in an op-ed. “It is adapting to a challenging landscape while continuing work that directly affects the lives of Utahns.”
How Recent Developments Are Shaping The Sphere Entertainment (SPHR) Investment Story
The latest valuation work on Sphere Entertainment has lifted the fair value estimate from US$75.30 to US$88.30, supported by a slightly lower discount rate at 9.87% and a small increase in the revenue growth assumption to 6.03%. These tweaks build on Street research that has become more constructive, with bullish voices pointing to Las Vegas Sphere performance, a fuller content pipeline and recent earnings data. Cautious analysts, however, still question how durable current attendance trends...
Some voices conspicuously silent when it comes to Trump’s science ...
Research-intensive universities have been targeted in an unprecedented and unrelenting manner since Donald Trump retook the White House on 20 January. In April, nearly a third of the 6000-plus members of the US National Academies of Sciences, which is a nonpartisan organisation charged with providing evidence-based science and technology advice ...
Google Voice is about to get a powerful upgrade thanks to Gemini
Your personal note-taker is almost here
Looking for a subscription-free Whoop band? This screenless rival could be the voice-led wearable you’re looking for
Who needs a screen anyway?
Introducing Alexa.com, a completely new way to interact with Alexa+
From quick answers to completed tasks, Amazon now offers an AI assistant experience across voice, mobile, and web.
Another Democrat — this one the son of Somali immigrants — is running for Utah’s new left-leaning congressional seat
Liban Mohamed joined a crowded field of candidates vying for a Democratic-leaning district in Utah's new congressional maps. Mohamed, who is the son of Somali immigrants, is young, Black and Muslim, and says he can bring new voices to the political process.
‘A silent majority’: MPs underestimate support for green policies, study reveals
Exclusive: From solar subsidies to meat taxes, minority rightwing voices appear to drown out the consensus
Subtle releases ear buds with its noise cancelation models
Subtle's new $199 earbuds will also let you dictate in any app on desktop or phone
Mamdani says he called Trump to voice opposition to Maduro capture
"It was an opposition based on being opposed to a pursuit of regime change," Mamdani said.
Stop Using Your Keyboard and Start Using This Simple, Free Speech-to-Text App
It’s called Handy, and it uses AI models to accurately convert your speaking voice into text—all for free.
A new Deux Ex isn't coming in 2026 as people in charge are "psychopaths", jokes series voice lead
Voice actor Elias Toufexis has assured fans a new Deus Ex game isn't coming in 2026, states the people in charge are "psychopaths".
South County Politics Are…Complicated
The more you learn about the region’s tribal feuds, diverse communities and uncategorizable people, the more you realize how wrong conventional wisdom really is.
Student Voices: Learning To Judge: Rediscovering Finance, Wisdom & Community At Harvard Business School
What begins as technical training in finance becomes an education in values, writes Harvard MS/MBA student Abhi Gunasekar.
Blog: Bridging science and humanitarian action – an internship at the Climate Centre
By Annalena Bacher (The Climate Centre is happy on New Year’s Day to open its coverage for 2026 with a young voice – that of its latest intern, Annalena Bacher, who worked with us from September to December 2025.) I have long been fascinated by climate change and extreme-weather events: their impacts on people, how […]
The year the Capitol Christmas tree was delivered by a senator
The voice on the phone was familiar, but the request was not. It was the latter part of September 2000. The person on the other end of the line was U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Over the years I had a number of calls with Ben as he served in different elected roles, so I was […]
Cook County Health chief medical officer voices concern as ACA subsidies set to expire Thursday
Without an extension of ACA subsidies, premiums are expected to double and triple for the 550,000 Illinoisans enrolled in the marketplace, making it unaffordable for many.
Health officials warn public after coyote injures person in Warwick Township
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is searching for the animal, but officials don't know if it is rabid.
Report cards are in for Philly's sports teams
What grades do the Philly pro teams deserve for their 2025 seasons? We handed them out to each one.
Editors Pick: Sense, Nonsense and Science Columns
Seed World Europe features the columns of Dr. Joe Schwarcz, Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, for readers who appreciate science with clarity, curiosity, and wit. Known for demystifying chemistry and challenging misinformation, Joe brings an engaging, no-nonsense voice to topics spanning food, biotechnology, health claims, and the science behind everyday phenomena. Each column helps readers separate evidence from hype while exploring how science shapes our world—and the seed sector.
The best AI-powered dictation apps of 2025
AI-powered dictation apps are useful for replying to emails, taking notes, and even coding through your voice
Lawmakers to consider funding options for mental health help line
With funding for the Oklahoma mental health crisis hot line set to run out at the end of the budget year, lawmakers will have to determine how to fund 988 this session.
Oklahoma's National Guard deployment to D.C. is a disheartening political stunt
I was disheartened to read that Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is sending members of the Oklahoma National Guard to Washington, DC , to participate in the federal surge in the nation’s capital.
Lloyds Shelves Invoice Financing as Small Businesses Shift Away
British bank Lloyds is reportedly ending its small-business-focused invoice financing program. The factoring program will close by the year’s end, the
The biggest entertainment and fashion moments of 2025, as seen in AP photos
Bad Bunny performs during the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Updated 6:00 AM CST, December 4, 2025 For many, 2025 felt like a blur and that was true in the world of entertainment, which saw happy reunions, somber farewells and introductions to fresh voices and faces. Sabrina...
With embrace of Native culture, St. Paul student finds his voice in state politics
Dexter Paasch of Harding High took advocacy to the State Capitol and will return next year as a student leader.
Lloyds shuts invoice financing service as small businesses feel squeeze
UK lender is latest major bank to retreat from sector in pivot towards lucrative corporate clients
Austin business owner voices frustration after yearlong wait for arrest in food truck theft
What’s next for Medi-Cal? A former state health leader weighs in • The Mendocino Voice
‘What does the future look like?’: As California braces for Medicaid cuts, former health secretary to lead new commission in creating plan to protect care
Central Colorado Humanists Sunday Science Offers "Insights from a Geriatrician", Jan. 4 - by Ark Valley Voice Staff
“Insights from a Geriatrician” is the title of the Central Colorado Humanists Sunday Science program for Jan. 4, 2026. Dr. Erika Altneu, M.D., will
Philly sports' top 10 figures of 2025
Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and Union coach Bradley Carnell were all instrumental in Philly sports this year.
Philly sports' top 10 games of 2025
From Cutter Gauthier's first visit to Philly to VJ Edgecombe's debut, Kyle Schwarber's four-homer night, and of course, the Super Bowl, Philly sports had a year to remember.
New Media TV-format talk show showcases Tulsa entertainment
The entertainment series emphasizes quality production and local voices
Voices: Women’s voices in sports media aren’t just valuable, they’re necessary
“Varied perspectives don’t just influence how we tell stories; they determine which stories get told at all,” writes Jaydin Kroutil in an op-ed.
She goes to police calls in a Prius. It’s part of a new approach to mental health emergencies
Briana Fair, a mental health clinician with the San Mateo Police Department, received a dozen voicemails from the same distressed caller over a single weekend this month.
The top 10 Philadelphia sports moments of 2025
This year, the Eagles and Phillies gave Philadelphia fans moments they'll never forget. Let's take a look at the 10 most memorable ones.
Against Iran’s politics of exclusion, pluralism is the point
There is a cruel ritual in Iranian opposition politics: some voices abroad constantly interrogate the “purity” of activists inside—why they did not speak more sharply or endorse maximalist slogans, why survival itself looks insufficiently heroic.
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.”
When local news and science go dark, the river loses its voice: A warning and a rallying cry from Stroud Water Research Center
As federal money fades and science comes under fire, supporters of the Delaware River should find ways to advocate for the waterway.
Party politics: Defining ‘conservative’
Re: “Partisanship: ‘Elections have consequences’ ” (Dec. 18, Northwest Voices): I question the boilerplate use of the label “conservative” as the opposite of “progressive” in articles and opinion pieces discussing party politics. “Regressive” would be a more accurate label in most...
Cronos: The New Dawn Is Getting An Easy Difficulty Setting In Early 2026
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