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Quick-hit thoughts on Patriots vs. Seahawks Super Bowl matchup
Initial analysis of the Patriots’ Super Bowl opponent.
New DNA analysis rewrites the story of the Beachy Head Woman
A Roman-era skeleton discovered in southern England has finally given up her secrets after more than a decade of debate. Known as the Beachy Head Woman, she was once thought to have roots in sub-Saharan Africa or the Mediterranean—an idea that sparked global attention. But new, high-quality DNA analysis paints a different picture: she was most likely a local woman from Roman Britain.
Waymo robotaxis are being used as chauffeurs for parents' kids
Some parents are using Waymo robotaxis as personal chauffeurs for their kids — even though it's against Waymo's and some state rules.
How The Latest Price Target Shift Is Reshaping The Accel Entertainment (ACEL) Story
Why the Price Target on Accel Entertainment Matters Now The latest change in price target for Accel Entertainment has put fresh attention on how the market is thinking about the stock, even though the specific figures behind that shift have not been detailed here. With no explicit commentary provided to explain the adjustment, the focus for you as an investor is less about the number itself and more about what might be driving analysts to revisit their assumptions. Stay tuned to see how you...
OpenAI Aims to Lure Businesses From Anthropic
Some of OpenAI’s most attention-grabbing efforts over the past year have involved products for consumers, from a social app to an AI-powered device it plans to announce later this year. Last week, though, the company’s CEO, Sam Altman, gathered Disney CEO Bob Iger and other corporate executives ...
COLUMN: Top 20 EIU sports moments of 2025
The year 2025 will be thought of as the year of an exhilarating half time show and a runaway joke that has left six or seven braincells remaining in my head. Closer to home, EIU sports experienced a successful year that included personal achievements, milestones, and Ohio Valley Conference championships. Now that the dust has settled on 2025, here are the top 20...
Letters to Sports: Readers debate whether the Dodgers are ruining baseball
Readers of the Los Angeles Times give their thoughts on the Dodgers signing Kyle Tucker, the Rams, the LeBron James-Jeanie Buss rift and college football.
Biloxi PD, business owner share thoughts on outcome of 19-hour standoff
After a 19-hour standoff with a man holding a pregnant woman hostage, it only took 5 minutes for officers to rescue the woman and put Joshua Drake Ervin in handcuffs.
How should the Bears handle pass rush this offseason?
The Bears need to improve the pass rush, and @kdthompson5 has some thoughts on the topic.
Why Europe's far right has split with Trump over Greenland
Many far-right groups across Europe, which aligned with Trump's MAGA movement in their fervent opposition to immigration, are suddenly in rebellion against an administration they once thought of as an ideological ally.
Scientists just overturned a 100-year-old rule of chemistry, and the results are “impossible”
Chemists at UCLA are showing that some of organic chemistry’s most famous “rules” aren’t as unbreakable as once thought. By creating bizarre, cage-shaped molecules with warped double bonds—structures long considered impossible—the team is opening the door to entirely new kinds of chemistry.
Key moments from Jack Smith's House testimony
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith on Thursday defended his investigations of Donald Trump at a public congressional hearing in which he insisted that he had acted without regard to politics and had no second thoughts about the criminal charges he brought.
Julie Emerson exits Louisiana Senate race after Julia Letlow enters with Trump’s backing
State Rep. Julie Emerson thought she had a path to defeating U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy.
Alarm as US mulls prioritising citizens in research funding
A senior White House official said the Trump administration is considering ways to prioritise research funding to American citizens, triggering alarm in the research community that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”The precise meaning of his impromptu comments, and what they could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have alarmed former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Related articlesNIH turmoil risks reciprocal EU-US access to health research fundingUS set to close office responsible for global science and technology dealsTrump halts new NIH grants to international health-research partnersSince then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
Alarm over US plan to prioritise citizens in research funding
The US’s leading science official has said the country will focus its research spending on scientists with US citizenship, triggering alarm that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”Kratsios’s precise meaning, and what it could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have stunned former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Since then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
House Panel Votes to Hold Clintons in Contempt in Epstein Inquiry
The votes by the Oversight Committee were bipartisan, though many Democrats said the charges were extreme given Bill and Hillary Clinton’s willingness to answer questions.
After Minneapolis crackdown, Democrats confront political vulnerabilities to battle Trump on immigration
Democrats are trying to translate visceral outrage into political strategy, even though there's little consensus on how to press forward on issues where the party has recently struggled to earn voters' trust.
The only thing limiting Taylor Swift’s popularity is partisan polarization
Although she’s the world’s reigning pop star, attitudes toward Swift are split markedly along both partisan and gender lines.
Roanoke community shares thoughts on science museum leaving Center in the Square
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Center in the Square has notified the Science Museum of Western Virginia that, as of January 1st, 2027, it will reclaim the fourth and fifth floors of the building from the museum, ending their relationship after 42 years. Center in the Square President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tara Marcniak shared […]
Indian Exporters Hold the Line Against Trump Tariffs
Exporters have resisted huge price cuts even though that’s resulted in fewer shipments.
Patriots vs. Texans snap counts: DeMario Douglas maximizes his opportunities
Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ snap counts from their 28-16 win over the Texans.
Are Spurs 'trapped' by place in English football's hierarchy?
Watch the New York Times' Rory Smith give his thoughts on the current state of Tottenham and why he everything the club does "ends up feeling like disappointment" as it navigates lofty ambitions and it's place in English football's hierarchy. It feels like super-club stadium, but the reality is Tottenham don't have the money to be a super-club.
Kansas coach Bill Self taken to hospital after feeling 'under the weather,' did not travel with team to Colorado
It's unclear if Bill Self will join Kansas in time for Tuesday's game with Colorado, though he's "feeling better" after receiving IV fluids.
Suds & Science
Ever thought that learning would be more fun with a cold drink in hand? We've got you covered! Suds & Science brings scientists face-to-face with the public at local neighborhood bars for a night of learning, drinking, and community that you won't want to miss! Highlights: - Fun and informative lectures from STEM professionals - Lively discussions between scientists and audiences - Connection with your community in a laid-back environment "Tentacle Tinder: How Cephalopods Decide When to Swipe Right" Cephalopods (the class of mollusks that includes octopuses, squids, cuttlefishes, and nautiluses) are renowned for their complex cognitive abilities and for their remarkable capacities to rapidly alter their body patterns for camouflage and communication. But behind the scenes, things get even stranger. Nearly all cephalopod females mate with multiple males and can store sperm for weeks to months. That means each female carries a tiny archive of potential fathers. So the big question becomes: when everyone is competing for a spot in that archive, how do cephalopod females decide who to mate with, and can they control whose sperm ultimately fertilizes their eggs? About the Speaker Theodora is a PhD student in Marine Biology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Prior to starting at SIO, Theodora researched chronic reproductive pain conditions in New York, created marine science multimedia as a science communication intern at Point Reyes National Seashore, and studied cephalopod neuroethology as a research intern at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. Theodora currently studies the evolutionary and behavioral dynamics of female choice in cephalopods, with a focus on local California market squid. When she’s not doing research or underwater, Theodora can usually be found listening to or singing classical music. Fleet Science Center on Facebook / Instagram
Parkview Health explains how to easily prevent cervical cancer
Dr. Brzezinska says that virtually anyone sexually active is at risk for getting an HPV infection. Though mostly seen on the cervix, HPV can cause other cancers as well, even for men.
Who will win title race between Hearts, Celtic & Rangers?
Charlie Adam, Paul Hartley and Barrie McKay give their thoughts about a three-horse Scottish title race between Heart of Midlothian, Celtic and Rangers.
Move Over, Vegas: D.C. Is Getting A 'Mini-Sphere'
If you thought immersive entertainment was only for Las Vegas, the party is officially coming to the nation’s capital. Officials just announced plans for a ... Read More
A “dormant” brain protein turns out to be a powerful switch
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have uncovered a surprising new way to influence brain activity by targeting a long-mysterious class of proteins linked to anxiety, schizophrenia, and movement disorders. Once thought to be mostly inactive, these proteins—called GluDs—turn out to play an active role in how brain cells communicate and form connections.
West Hartford Business Buzz: January 19, 2026 - We-Ha
A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses. Business Buzz is sponsored by NBT Bank, and we are very thankful for their support! By Ronni Newton Today is Martin Luther King Day and although it’s a federal holiday and many people have the day off, please note that
Islanders' Adam Pelech's health making 'big difference' in best...
Forty-eight games in, though, with Game 49 on Monday against the Canucks, Adam Pelech has avoided injury. Not coincidentally, he’s quietly putting together what’s on pace to be his best season...
El Paso content creators interview movie, entertainment stars in Hollywood
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Without much forethought but driven by relentless motivation, three young content creators from El Paso took a five-day trip to Los Angeles and West Hollywood, capturing int…
El Paso content creators interview movie, entertainment stars in Hollywood
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Without much forethought but driven by relentless motivation, three young content creators from El Paso took a five-day trip to Los Angeles and West Hollywood, capturing interviews with successful people in the movie and entertainment business as part of a motivational filming project. “You throw a bunch of young 20-year-olds […]
Textbooks Were Wrong: Human Hair Doesn’t Grow the Way Scientists Thought
A new imaging study challenges long-standing ideas about how hair grows and could lead to new treatments for hair loss. Scientists have discovered that human hair does not emerge because it is pushed upward from the root. Instead, it is pulled along by forces generated by a previously unseen netw
Earth may have a 'buttery' center, described as a new state of matter by scientists
New research suggests that the Earth's solid inner core is softer and more dynamic than previously thought, changing ideas.
High-End Computer Monitors Are Great, But The Smart Money Buys A Cheaper Panel
Even though high-end computer monitors may offer extra bells and whistles, their higher price point can't always be justified for what most people need.
Jim Cramer on International Business Machines: “It’s Inexpensive Relative to Its Growth Rate”
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shared his thoughts on. Cramer praised the company’s CEO, as he said: “Let’s take them one by one, starting with IBM, which has become an incredibly strong performer with a stock that’s nearly tripled since late 2022 when it broke free from its… […]
5 Clever Uses For Your Old PlayStation 3
Even though the PlayStation 3 is going on 20 years old, turning it into an emulator or media server can breathe new life into that old console.
Memory loss does not progress the way scientists once thought
New research reveals memory loss with age follows a curved pattern, linked to widespread brain shrinkage rather than a single gene.
The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Mental Health
The rise of artificial intelligence comes with risks and benefits for the mental health of humans, requiring a thoughtful, mindful way forward.
Letters to Sports: Charging out of the NFL playoffs, again
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the Chargers' playoff exit, the Dodgers signing Kyle Tucker, the, Lakers, Clippers and Chloe Kim.
Letters to Sports: Charging out of the NFL playoffs, again
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the Chargers' playoff exit, the Dodgers signing Kyle Tucker, the, Lakers, Clippers and Chloe Kim.
Phoenix-area theatergoers exposed to measles. What to know
Anyone who was inside this theater during five days in January should be on alert for measles symptoms, although vaccinated people are at low risk.
Goodbye to drinking water: “Day Zero” will arrive sooner than you thought, and science already knows when and where it will happen
Day Zero is closer than it looks. A new study maps when and where drinking water shortages could hit first.
SC: Upstate woman wins in court, says business has yet to pay what's owed
An Upstate woman claims she is having a hard time getting what the court says she is owed from a business. It comes after she says she saved up to buy a vehicle, but the deal she thought she had turned out not to be so sweet.
Letters to the Editor: Some people will always find a way to downplay the importance of science
'Periodically, I’ve had chats with neighbors about the heat. Most of the talks have been thoughtful, but some have veered into cuckoo territory,' writes an L.A. Times reader.
Baseball Hall of Fame: CBS Sports' voters debate their ballots
Matt Snyder and Mike Axisa break down their differing thought processes on voting
Google is finally copying this Apple Watch feature for its Pixel Watch
An upcoming Android feature may alert you if your Pixel Watch gets left behind, though its real utility will be to alert you if it's stolen.
Riney: Better health should be Michigan’s next big investment
Did you know life expectancy in Detroit is lower than in parts of Mexico — even though the U.S. spends more than twice as much per person on healthcare?
A deadly chemical frozen in ice may have sparked life on Earth
Hydrogen cyanide, a toxic chemical, may have helped spark the chemistry that led to life. When frozen, it forms crystals with highly reactive surfaces that can drive unusual chemical reactions, even in extreme cold. These reactions could produce more reactive molecules that pave the way for life’s basic ingredients. The findings suggest frozen worlds may be more chemically active than once thought.
Rams-Bears Preview
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) Ben Johnson spent plenty of time studying Sean McVay's offense, though not necessarily for a moment like this.
These genes were thought to lead to blindness 100% of the time. They don't.
New research finds that retinal diseases thought to map one-to-one to genetic mutations are more complicated than that.
Americans’ confidence in scientists
Most Americans say they trust scientists to act in the public’s best interests, though confidence is lower than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Segregated schools’ comment sparks uproar; N.H. lawmaker says leaked message referred to politics not race
The chairperson for an education policy committee allegedly wrote “imagine the scores though if we had schools for them and some for us.”
Lawmakers move to defund Wyoming Business Council ahead of budget session
by Dustin Bleizeffer, WyoFile The primary budgeting arm of the Legislature voted Tuesday to defund the Wyoming Business Council, the state’s top economic development shop since 1998. Following a motion by Powell Republican Sen. Dan Laursen, the Joint Appropriations Committee agreed to zero out the council’s budget, leaving $2 million to administer existing loans. Though the […]
Electrons stop acting like particles—and physics still works
Physicists have long relied on the idea that electrons behave like tiny particles zipping through materials, even though quantum physics says their exact position is fundamentally uncertain. Now, researchers at TU Wien have discovered something surprising: a material where this particle picture completely breaks down can still host exotic topological states—features once thought to depend on particle-like behavior.
Stakeholders contemplate demise of Wyoming Business Council
Though dissatisfaction with the agency has been brewing for years, Gov. Gordon says he'll fight to preserve the state's primary economic development shop.
Near-record share of Americans see big business as greatest threat to U.S.
The perceived threat of business tends to rise in recessions — although the U.S. is not currently in one.
How everyday foam reveals the secret logic of artificial intelligence
Foams were once thought to behave like glass, with bubbles frozen in place at the microscopic level. But new simulations reveal that foam bubbles are always shifting, even while the foam keeps its overall shape. Remarkably, this restless motion follows the same math used to train artificial intelligence. The finding hints that learning-like behavior may be a fundamental principle shared by materials, machines, and living cells.
The World's Worst Business Class Seats: Here Are My Picks, Do You Agree?
Which airlines have the worst business class seats? Here's my take, though I'm sure many will disagree with my opinions.
Will the Patriots beat the Texans in the divisional round?
Share your thoughts in this week’s Patriots fan survey.
Surprise! Animal Crossing: New Horizons' free 3.0 update for Switch releases early
Good news, Animal Crossing: New Horizons' free 3.0 Switch update for all owners has been released earlier than we thought.
Three thoughts on Notre Dame football’s 2026 transfer portal class
While Notre Dame might not have the numbers with transfer commits, it’s still a great class. Here are a few thoughts on the Irish and the portal.
Supreme court could issue ruling on legal challenge to Trump’s tariffs today
A supreme court ruling is expected later today, though it is unclear what it will be
Initial 2027 Recruiting Class Big Board Pt.1
Hello everyone! We received such positive feedback from putting together a recruiting big board last year, that we decided to do it again. For the initial big board, we are revealing it in pieces instead of all at once like last year and how all the other versions will be displayed. We thought it would […]
Could Vestavia Hills be getting a new entertainment district?
Do you think Vestavia Hills needs additional entertainment districts? If so, where would you put them? Share your thoughts in the comments 👇 #vestaviahills #entertainmentdistrict #alabama #alcohol nw
More Texans have signed up for ACA health coverage despite expiring subsidies and falling national enrollment
The Jan. 3 snapshot, though incomplete, indicates a stabler marketplace and less coverage loss than many experts and insurers feared.
I Thought Business Success Meant Sacrifice — Until I Was Miserable and Alone on Christmas Eve
Here's how millennials can take their first steps towards a personal plan, and why it matters.
Exclusive: Google Pixel 10a Official Render
The Google Pixel 10a is slated to be released pretty soon, even though earlier rumors pointed to it launching before the end of 2025; that obviously did
Research institutions tout the value of scholarship that crosses disciplines – but academia pushes interdisciplinary researchers out
Researchers who focus on one specialty are more likely to rise through the academic ranks, even though wicked societal problems require crosscutting work to solve.
Research institutions tout the value of scholarship that crosses disciplines – but academia pushes interdisciplinary researchers out
Researchers who focus on one specialty are more likely to rise through the academic ranks, even though wicked societal problems require crosscutting work to solve.
Science Says Highly Intelligent People Tend to Be More Thoughtful, Generous, and Kind
'It’s smarter to be a giver than a taker.'
Quick-hit thoughts on Patriots vs. Texans divisional round matchup
Initial analysis of the Patriots’ divisional round opponent.
AFC Divisional Round Predictions: Early NFL Playoff Picks
The AFC Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs should be sensational with Buffalo at Denver and Houston at New England. Here are our first-thought early predictions.
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)
NASCAR brings back the ‘Chase’ for its playoffs, and the sport will be better for it
NASCAR's move back to the Chase playoff format should satisfy most (though not all) fans and restore credibility to the championship.
Family of Robert Brooks heads to Albany to continue push for prison reforms
Even though the governor signed a package of bills last month targeting changes at prisons, Brooks' family members say several critical provisions were weakened or removed from the final product.
BoA Parts Ways With SM Entertainment After 25 Years
Singer BoA is concluding her 25-year journey with her agency SM Entertainment. On January 12, SM Entertainment issued an official statement announcing, “After extensive and in-depth discussions with BoA, we have agreed to conclude our 25-year partnership as of December 31, 2025.” Read the full statement below: Hello, this is SM Entertainment. First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jumping BoA (BoA's official fan club) and everyone who has always loved and supported artist BoA. After extensive and in-depth discussions with BoA, we have agreed to conclude our 25-year journey together as of December 31, 2025. Debuting in 2000 at the age of 13, BoA has, now past the 25th anniversary of her debut, been beloved by global music fans as an “icon of global expansion” who pioneered the Korean Wave across Asia and as the “Star of Asia,” and she has become a role model for countless junior artists driving the K-pop boom. As a trailblazer and pioneer, BoA’s journey has shone thanks to her relentless effort and passion, leaving brilliant achievements and unparalleled records. From her extraordinary debut that wrote a new chapter in Korean popular music history to her present growth as a No.1 artist and producer, we remember every moment, and it has been a true honor for our company to walk alongside her every step of the way. For 25 years, BoA has been, without question, the pride, joy, and symbol of SM. Although our exclusive contract is coming to an end, we will continue to support BoA as she fully demonstrates her capabilities in the new activities and challenges ahead, and we hope she will shine even brighter as the “Star of Asia.” We ask for your continued love and support for BoA as she embarks on this new chapter. We also support the future of Kwon BoA the person, beyond the artist, and sincerely wish her happiness. Thank you. The agency also released a tribute video commemorating BoA's 25-year long journey with SM. Watch the full video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLQFtT3dCk Following the announcement, BoA took to her Instagram to share her feelings as below: Having given and received without holding back, I leave without regrets.I’m grateful for the time we shared and will continue to support the ever-shining SM Entertainment. Thank you. https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZxmAeEk6f/?img_index=1 Wishing BoA all the best on her new journey! Source (1)
Western Pacific Region achieves milestone: 19 countries complete comprehensive health information system assessments
The Health Information and Digital Health (HID) unit in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has successfully supported 19 countries, covering 99% of the Region’s population, to conduct comprehensive health information system (HIS) assessments, surpassing the regional target of 15 set for 2025 and advancing efforts toward universal health coverage. Using SCORE, a technical package of essential interventions, recommended actions, tool and resources developed by WHO and partners to address challenges in meeting HIS needs, these assessments systematically assess health data availability and quality, enabling countries to monitor trends, identify and respond to emerging health challenges, and improve policies and programmes for healthier families, communities and societies. The first round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2019-2021 in 14 countries in the Region and over 130 countries globally. The second round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2024-2025.SCORE assessments are a key priority identified by Member States and WHO at all levels, including within WHO-Country/Multi-Country Cooperation Strategies, the Regional Vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025–2029), and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14, 2025–2028). Within the Regional Vision, implementing SCORE assessments is a key action for technology and innovation to advance health equity (strand 5).The SCORE for Health Data technical package is based on five key interventions, represented by the acronym SCORE. Interventions S, C and O focus on strengthening core data sources. Survey (S) covers population-based health surveys, surveillance systems and censuses, including their capacity to monitor health-related SDGs. Count (C) focuses on birth, death and cause of death registration as parts of a functional CRVS system. Optimize (O) addresses routine health service data and key health service inputs such as health financing and health workforce.Interventions R and E focus on data use for action. Review (R) examines regular analytical reviews of health sector progress and performance, together with national analytical capacity. Enable (E) looks at the policy, governance, and digital foundations needed to support effective data use.The Western Pacific Region shows relatively strong performance in the Review (R) and Count (C) interventions. Most countries in the Region demonstrate good analytical reporting and institutional capacity for analysis and learning. More than two-thirds of countries show more mature CRVS systems, driven by improvements in birth and death registration. However, medical certification of cause-of-death remains a key gap, with limited or low coverage in over half of countries in the Region.Performance under the Survey (S) intervention is mixed. While surveillance systems are generally strong, several countries in the Region continue to face challenges in implementing their surveys and censuses. Monitoring health-related SDGs is still a challenge for more than a third of countries in the Region.The greatest challenges are observed in the Optimize (O) and Enable (E) interventions. More than half of countries have lower maturity levels in routine health service and resource systems. Two-thirds of countries also face challenges with effective use of data and evidence for policy and action, largely due to gaps in digital infrastructure, governance and legislation for health data systems, and especially in data and sharing.  As part of the SCORE methodology, multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops were conducted in many countries to review findings and plan strategies for HIS strengthening. The HID unit continues to provide targeted support to facilitate dialogue and assist countries in developing HIS improvement plans. These plans guide governments and partners to align investments and coordinate efforts for maximum impact.WHO also assists countries with tailored technical support to address key gaps as requested by countries/national health authorities. SCORE assessments should be conducted periodically to monitor progress in HIS strengthening, although progress across addressing gaps identified in SCORE should be continually tracked as countries implement improvements.Additional countries will be supported to implement SCORE in 2026. The Regional Vision delivery-for-impact target, endorsed by Member States, is for all countries and areas to have implemented SCORE assessments and have an increased SCORE index by 2029 while WHO is aiming for 80% of Member States in the Region to conduct round two assessments. Countries yet to complete assessments are therefore encouraged to contact the HID unit at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for tailored support.The implementation of SCORE HIS assessments in the Western Pacific Region was supported by The Gates Family Foundation.
Transgender teen athlete in a Supreme Court fight knows the upcoming sports season could be her last
WASHINGTON (AP) — Becky Pepper-Jackson finished third in the discus throw in West Virginia last year though she was in just her first year of high school. Now a 15-year-old sophomore, Pepper-Jackson is aware that her upcoming season could be her last.
Overcoming Obstacles to HIV Prevention
By Carole Tanzer Miller HealthDay ReporterSUNDAY, Jan. 11, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Though an antiretroviral medication called PrEP provides near-perfect protection against HIV, patients must often surmount hurdles to obtain it. From medical stigma to insurance denials and doctors who are unfamiliar ...
Golden Globes podcast category is controversial for so many reasons
Golden Globes have introduced a new podcast category, although right-wing personalities such as Ben Shapiro were shut out of the first-ever nominees.
Letters to Sports: Time for Mick Cronin to fix UCLA's problems
Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section give their thoughts on the state of UCLA basketball, USC football, the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers.
Kevin Rennie: A CT town with fractious politics like no other
Some years the battle moves to choosing members of the party’s town committee, though recently all was calm at the local Democratic caucus.
Good 2 Grow: Thoughts for the new year
I have flipped the calendar page and am ready for a new year.
Washington National Opera bows out of Kennedy Center
The Washington National Opera has decided to end its arrangement with the Kennedy Center in the nation’s capital, though it says it is hoping for an “amicable transition.” The Opera
Steam Machine Price Leaks Online, More Expensive Than We Thought
The Steam Machine's price may have leaked online via a Czech retailer, and it isn't great news if you were hoping for console rates.
Gavin Newsom on Democrats, 2028 and His Fruit-only Breakfasts
The California governor is powered by smoothies and bursting with thoughts about U.S. politics.
Kate Hudson Reacts To Being Called A ‘Monster’ By Biopic Musician's Son
The actor shared her thoughts on the harsh criticism of her performance in "Song Sung Blue," for which she is nominated for a Golden Globe.
Alex Baker Serves as Sought-After Thought Leader for Utah College Sports
Spencer Fane attorney Alex Baker recently published an article, Utes Incorporated: The Legal Engineering Behind a $500M Windfall, that has made him a
Kate Middleton Marks Her Birthday With A Thoughtful, Personal Video
The Princess of Wales reflected on a "deeply personal" creative project.
What Top Climate Scientists Think of Trump’s Treaty Withdrawals
Though the abandonment of international agreements is “a damn shame,” they say science will prevail.
Newsom contrasts California ‘blueprint’ with Trump’s ‘carnival of chaos’ in final state of state address
The speech comes as Newsom prepares to close out his second term and define his record in office ahead of a possible presidential run. The governor, who has acknowledged he’s “thought about” seeking the Democratic nomination, is term-limited and will leave office in January 2027.
Dawgs in the NFL: The Playoffs are set
Even though our Georgia Bulldogs are no longer playing football this season (sadly), several former Bulldogs will be gearing up for a run at a Super Bowl title. Every matchup has been set in both the AFC and the NFC. Georgia will be looking to have representation in the big game for the 25th consecutive year. […]
Scientists find exercise rivals therapy for depression
A large review of studies suggests that exercise can ease depression about as effectively as psychological therapy. Compared with antidepressants, exercise showed similar benefits, though the evidence was less certain. Researchers found that light to moderate activity over multiple sessions worked best, with few side effects. While it’s not a cure-all, exercise may be a powerful and accessible tool for many people.
Sen. Mitch McConnell criticizes Trump administration rhetoric on Greenland
Although the president has long talked about the U.S. taking over the self-governing Danish territory, his openness to authorizing a hostile takeover is triggering alarm across Europe
Netflix co-CEO says he doesn't read business books—instead, he reads one 1902 novella about a ship and its captain ‘over and over again'
Like Elon Musk and Tim Cook, Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos is a fan of good books. But instead of picking up traditional management reads, he leans on a 123-year-old fiction he once thought was about a reckless “hot dog.”
Lombardo to lead 2026 ballot initiative to keep transgender athletes out of female sports
Gov. Joe Lombardo announced Wednesday he’s leading a petition to amend the Nevada Constitution to keep transgender athletes out of girls’ and women’s sports, even though there are already bans in place at the state and national level.
How far will the Patriots go in the playoffs?
Share your thoughts in this week’s Patriots fan survey.
Galaxies with ‘hoop skirts’ are more common than we thought
The discovery of thousands more galaxies with stars ringing their main disks could help astronomers study galactic evolution more generally.
2025: Another Big Year Of Change For Reading Women
Reading Women have been through another whirlwind 12 months, and although things are looking up on the pitch, concerns remain off it…