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Network of presidential business deals
Stating the obvious, the U.S. president has made lucrative business deals while in office. The scale of these deals is more difficult to figure out. For the New York Times, Lazaro Gamio and Amy Sch…
Small business owner shares how Trump's tariffs affected sales
President Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs on Chinese imports affected many U.S. businesses last year. We check in with one small business owner to ask what the year and holiday season were like.
Anxiety surrounds health care amid changes, increased cost in new year
According to a recent West Health-Gallup survey, 47% of U.S. residents said they’re worried they won’t be able to afford necessary health care this year.
Who did more harm to public health in 2025
The most destructive public health decision of 2025? Secretary of State Marco Rubio eliminating U.S. Agency for International Development.
Playmobil versus Lego: Which is the best USS Enterprise set?
Lego has recently released their first-ever Star Trek set, the 3600-piece U.S.S Enterprise, but is it better than Playmobil's model?
Venezuela Frees Dozens of Political Prisoners
At least 80 people were released, including one with U.S. ties, though more than 800 remain detained in Venezuela for opposing President Nicolás Maduro’s rule, rights groups say.
Medical expert suggests 'dual-pronged approach' to improve public health
Board-certified M.D. Dr. Houman Hemmati discusses new SNAP restrictions on junk food and the rise in flu activity across the U.S. on 'Fox News Live.'
2026 election could be Alabama’s biggest political shakeup in decades: The races to watch
The ballot includes open seats for governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general, and lieutenant governor.
Trump loomed over Nebraska’s top political stories of 2025
Nebraska and the Omaha area prepare for national close-ups in 2026, including midterm races for governor, U.S. House and Senate.
Flu cases are rising with a new strain that makes older people sicker
Flu season is ramping up in the U.S., marked by a new strain that could make vaccines less effective. Covid cases remain down.
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 […]
With CIA strike, signs Trump is 'shaping the battlespace' in Venezuela
Trump acknowledged a covert U.S. strike on Venezuelan territory in an interview with a local news outlet on the day after Christmas, setting off a scramble to clarify which target he was talking about.
U.S. sanctions 4 companies, oil tankers with ties to Venezuela
These national and regional retailers went out of business in 2025
More than 8,000 stores closed across the U.S. this year, according to retail industry data, including these well-known brands.
Trump administration retreats in Newsom lawsuit over National Guard deployment
In a brief filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Tuesday, Justice Department lawyers said they no longer oppose lifting a partial administrative stay and formally withdrew their request to keep California National Guard under federal control while the appeal proceeds.
Entertainment & Media Industries Shed A Whopping 17K Jobs In 2025
U.S.-based media companies spanning TV, film, digital publishing and broadcast announced 17,163 job cuts through November, an 18% increase from 2024, according to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Assessing health and vaccine skepticism in the U.S. ahead of 2026
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood vaccination rates continued to decrease during the 2024-2025 school year, and measles cases in the U.S. in 2025 exceeded 2,000 for the first time in more than 30 years.
The year in science: From a tiny T. rex to interstellar visitors
Triumphs included advances in transplanting animal organs into people, but the growing measles crisis in the U.S. indicates danger.
Farmers are about to pay a lot more for health insurance
Tariffs, inflation, and other federal policies have battered U.S. farmers' bottom lines. Now many farmers say the expiration of federal health care subsidies will make their coverage unaffordable.
As US companies fight tariffs, Topeka businesses tell their experience
Topeka businesses share how U.S. tariffs have affected them over the past year.
How Trump’s tariffs hit Americans: Rising costs and global backlash
From bourbon-less cocktails to Brazilian coffee, Trump's tariffs stirred tensions among U.S. friends, foes. Is relief coming via $2,000 rebate checks?
These 6 well-known Louisville businesses announced departures in 2025
Businesses that announced closures in Louisville in 2025 include Brown-Forman Cooperage, KFC's U.S. headquarters and Nearly New Shop.
Lawmakers mourn Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former U.S. senator and proud Native American
Campbell served as the first Native American to chair the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. He also was known for his endeavors outside politics.
In a tumultuous year, U.S. health policy has been dramatically reshaped under RFK Jr.
President Trump’s second term has brought major changes to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy Through a Landmark Bilateral Global Health MOU with Côte d’Ivoire - United States Department of State
Under the America First Global Health Strategy, the United States is refocusing global health assistance to protect the American people from infectious disease threats, while ending open-ended dependency on U.S. taxpayers. That approach is being put into action through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that require U.S. assistance recipients to invest their own resources and take […]
US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign 'America First' health deals
The United States and Ivory Coast have signed a health deal that would require the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector.
US commits $480m in health funding to Ivory Coast, the latest to sign 'America First' health deals
The United States and Ivory Coast signed a health deal Tuesday requiring the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector as part of “America First” global health funding pacts that mirror the Trump administration’s foreign policy. It is the latest agreement the U.S. has entered with more than a dozen African countries, most of them hit by U.S. aid cuts, including Ivory Coast.
US Commits $480m in Health Funding to Ivory Coast, the Latest to Sign 'America First' Health Deals
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — The United States and Ivory Coast signed a health deal Tuesday requiring the U.S. to commit $480 million to the West African nation’s health sector as part of “America First” global health funding pacts that mirror the Trump administration’s foreign policy. The signing in ...
In a year of steep challenges, there were still shining moments in global health
The Trump administration's deep cuts in U.S. foreign health aid had a devastating impact. Yet there were achievements of note in spite of it all.
Trump 2.0 is dismantling American science. Here's what's at stake, according to researchers.
U.S.-based researchers detail how their work has been disrupted by funding cuts and policy changes ushered by the second Trump administration.
Greg Lopez, Republican candidate for Colorado governor
Former congressman Greg Lopez joins a crowded field of Republican candidates for governor. With Gov. Jared Polis being term-limited, Colorado will elect a new leader in 2026. Lopez, a veteran, started his political career at age 27 as mayor of Parker. He later served as Colorado’s state director for the U.S. Small Business Administration. In […]
In a tumultuous year, U.S. health policy has been dramatically reshaped under RFK Jr.
The department’s rapid transformation has garnered praise from MAHA supporters who say they long viewed HHS as corrupt and untrustworthy and have been waiting for such a disruption.
In a tumultuous year, U.S. health policy has been dramatically reshaped under RFK Jr.
Experts warn of potential damage to scientific leadership.
Why patients don’t care about health care prices
The U.S. health care system is unable to progress in pricing transparency due to the fact that most patients do not have a financial incentive to care about prices, as someone else is paying the bi…
This could be the biggest challenge for small business owners in 2026
After a rollercoaster year for the U.S. economy, small business owners hope 2026 brings more predictable economic conditions.
Uzbek chemical manufacturer to open first US facility in Hitchcock
Vektan Chemical bought a 35,000-sq-ft warehouse in Hitchcock to open its first U.S. plant, investing $7M+ and creating 27 jobs.
These IL Retail Stores Could Shutter In 2026 As Business Closures Continue
Hundreds of big-name retail stores have announced plans to close locations in the U.S. in 2026.
Duke Health nurse charged with sex crimes is not US citizen, authorities say
A Duke Health nurse charged with committing sexual crimes against patients is not a U.S. citizen, authorities said during a court hearing on Monday.
U.S. could block asylum on public health grounds under Trump regulation
The U.S. could deny migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border access to asylum under a newly finalized regulation drafted during the COVID-19 pandemic in President Donald Trump's first term.
US allots at least $147 million per state for rural health in 2026
The Trump administration will award between $147 million and $281 million to each U.S. state in 2026 under a new rural health transformation program aimed at improving access to care and the quality of services, a senior White House aide said on Monday.
Here are the Top 10 federal stories impacting Florida in 2025
With an inauguration, Special Elections and a few career-threatening scandals along the way, Florida remained central in national politics.
U.S. offers Ukraine 15-year security guarantee as part of peace plan, Zelenskyy says
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Zelenskyy on Sunday and stated that Ukraine and Russia are closer than ever to a peace settlement.
Tax changes loom large for US economy in 2026
Economists see the tax cuts in Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill as a principal driver of the U.S. economy in 2026, both for individuals and businesses. Here's some detail about what's in store.
Experts Question Denmark’s Vaccine Program as a Model for the U.S.
The United States is expected to adopt the vaccine schedule used by Denmark, a much smaller country with universal health care.
Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted U.S. political parties, memo says
The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of Jan. 6, 2021 told investigators someone needed to "speak up" for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen, prosecutors said Sunday.
TikTok wasn’t banned, ‘Zootopia 2’ was a box-office beast
From the biggest screen to the smallest, entertainment faced a year of uncertainty.
Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted US political parties because they were 'in charge,' memo says
The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol told investigators after his arrest that he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen. He also said he wanted to target the country’s p...
Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted US political parties because they were 'in charge,' memo says
The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol told investigators after his arrest that he believed someone needed to “speak up” for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen
Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted US political parties because they were 'in charge,' memo says
The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S.
Housing market expected to offer little relief for buyers in 2026 despite modest improvements ahead
The U.S. housing market is expected to show modest improvement in 2026, with mortgage rates dropping slightly and home sales increasing 2%.
Trump gives Christmas subsidies to farmers, lumps of coal to others
Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Median total farm household income has exceeded the median U.S. household income in every year since 1998.
How Cameroon Fought to Save Its Malaria Program After the U.S. Cut Critical Funding
When the Trump administration slashed foreign aid, it gutted a program that had reduced malaria deaths world wide. In northern Cameroon, health workers tried to protect children in one last rainy season.
The Second Trump Administration, South America Shifts Right, Time For Sports : Up First from NPR
NPR’s Ron Elving has been thinking about the state of U.S. politics since President Donald Trump returned to power. Also, several countries in South America elected conservative and even far right leaders in 2025, marking a political and ideological shift in the region. And, we’ll have the highlight reel from the year in sports.
The Second Trump Administration, South America Shifts Right, Time For Sports : Up First from NPR
NPR’s Ron Elving has been thinking about the state of U.S. politics since President Donald Trump returned to power. Also, several countries in South America elected conservative and even far right leaders in 2025, marking a political and ideological shift in the region. And, we’ll have the highlight reel from the year in sports.
Health alert: Influenza activity trending up across Kansas, U.S.
Kansas is reflecting national trends of respiratory virus cases on the rise.
Thousands of Alaskans face health care ‘cliff’ in the new year amid gridlock in Congress
Alaska’s U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said they are still working on extending health care subsidies that expire on Dec. 31.
Texas Matters: Pass The Politics, Pappy
W. Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel was a flour salesman turned broadcaster who mastered early mass media to build a political machine. As host of a hugely popular radio show featuring his Hillbilly Boys band, he blended homespun entertainment with relentless self-promotion. He converted his audience into votes, winning the Texas governorship in 1938 and later a U.S. Senate seat. O’Daniel’s radio fame let him bypass party elites and critics, turning airtime into personal power and profit.
Should the U.S. model its vaccine policy on Denmark's? Experts say we're nothing alike
The Trump administration wants to revamp U.S. childhood vaccination recommendations to align with some other peer nations, including one tiny country in northern Europe.
US struck Islamic State targets in Nigeria after group targeted Christians, Trump says
A Defense Department official, who insisted on animosity to discuss details not made public, said the U.S. worked with Nigeria to carry out the strikes, and that they'd been approved by that country's government.
Rep. Andy Barr announces death of longtime campaign manager, Tatum Dale
Rep. Andy Barr, who's running for U.S. Senate, announced the death of Tatum Dale, his longtime deputy chief of staff and campaign manager.
RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for Washington state flooding
The action from Kennedy, the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is focused on helping meet the needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
RFK Jr. says the U.S. should look to Europe on vaccines. That could mean Americans get fewer.
Public health experts say Europeans can afford to vaccinate less because they have universal access to health care.
Chinese billionaire who has fathered more than 100 children hopes to have dozens of U.S.-born boys to one day take over his business
Xu Bo, the founder of one of China’s largest mobile gaming companies, is looking to have “50 high-quality sons” in the U.S. to take over his billion-dollar empire.
New 'Community Playbook Academy' to revolutionize youth sports leagues in the U.S.
In youth sports, one of the most important charactersitics needed to
Pediatrics group sues U.S. agency for cutting funds for children's health programs
Earlier this month, the federal government 'abruptly terminated' grants to the group, the lawsuit says.
Pediatrics group sues HHS for cutting funds for children's health programs
The American Academy of Pediatrics sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, seeking to block nearly $12 million in cuts to the group.
Pediatrics group sues HHS for cutting funds for children's health programs
The American Academy of Pediatrics sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, seeking to block nearly $12 million in cuts to the group.
Pediatrics group sues HHS for cutting funds for children's health programs
The American Academy of Pediatrics sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, seeking to block nearly $12 million in cuts to the group
U.S. stocks rose again in 2025 after overcoming turbulence from tariffs and Donald Trump’s fight with the Fed
What's in store for 2026?
Bari Weiss’ ‘60 Minutes’ scandal is about more than one report
By blocking an approved segment on a controversial prison holding U.S. deportees in El Salvador, the editor-in-chief of CBS News has become the main story.
HHS, Robert Kennedy Jr. declare public health emergency for WA after storms, flooding, landslides
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is declaring a public health emergency for Washington after strong winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides damaged the region.
The Year in Entertainment 2025: The TV that was top
The small screen took us everywhere from the shores of Cousins Beach to the emergency room at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center this year. Here's a look at the shows and limited series that defined 2025:It was the medical procedural drama The Pitt that scored the top prize at the Emmys this year. Led by Noah Wyle, who won the best actor in a drama Emmy for his portrayal of Dr. Robby in the new series, The Pitt's first season followed the challenges faced by health care workers on the front lines over the course of a single, 15-hour shift at the hospital. Other big winners at the ceremony included Seth Rogen's new comedy series The Studio, as well as the Netflix limited series Adolescence.Many prestige shows captured the cultural zeitgeist in 2025. Fans traveled to Thailand to check in for season 3 of The White Lotus, while the mystery at Lumon Industries continued to unfold as Severance season 2 rolled out. The Last of Us viewers mourned a fan-favorite character during its sophomore season, while Star Wars fans returned to a galaxy far, far away to bid farewell to Andor as it debuted its second and final season.Nobody could stop talking about The Summer I Turned Pretty. Whether you were team Conrad or team Jeremiah, fans couldn't keep their eyes off the dramatic third season of the teen romance series, which spanned from the U.S.'s East Coast all the way to Paris. While the series ended with Belly finally picking which brother she wanted to be with, the story isn't quite over. A feature film that will end the romantic saga has been greenlit by Prime Video.Finally, the year ended with the release of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. It turned Netflix's streaming records upside down, accumulating 59.6 million views in its first five days and becoming the best-ever premiere week viewing numbers for an English-language series on the streaming platform.Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
U.S. Politics & Sherlock Holmes Loom Large In BBC’s 2025 Podcast Charts
BBC hits 2.5B podcast plays in 2025, Sherlock & U.S. politics feature in top ten.
Maine among 19 states suing HHS over youth gender-affirming care
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people.
RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for WA flooding
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency Wednesday over this month’s flooding in Washington state.
How Trump’s attacks on ‘climate alarmism’ have already transformed U.S. science
Experts say the cuts to the federal workforce and climate science funding could cause decades of loss in human knowledge and discovery.
19 states and D.C. sue HHS over effort to ban transgender care for minors
The declaration issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries unsafe and ineffective for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.
More than a third of states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care
Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F.
US judge rejects business group's challenge to Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by the largest U.S. business lobby group to President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, saying it fell under his broad powers to regulate immigration.
US signs health agreements with African nations, warns against nonperformance
The U.S. signed four new global health memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, which total nearly $2.3 billion in funding, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Advancing the America First Global Health Strategy Through Landmark Bilateral Global Health MOUs - United States Department of State
On December 22 and 23, the United States signed four additional new, landmark global health Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Botswana, and Ethiopia, reinforcing U.S. leadership that delivers measurable results for the American people and puts America First by directly countering global infectious disease threats and reducing foreign dependence on U.S. taxpayers. […]
This new 3D chip could break AI’s biggest bottleneck
Researchers have created a new kind of 3D computer chip that stacks memory and computing elements vertically, dramatically speeding up how data moves inside the chip. Unlike traditional flat designs, this approach avoids the traffic jams that limit today’s AI hardware. The prototype already beats comparable chips by several times, with future versions expected to go much further. Just as important, it was manufactured entirely in a U.S. foundry, showing the technology is ready for real-world production.
Maine suspends payments to Portland health care provider accused of fraud
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is also seeking financial information about Gateway Community Services as part of its investigation into suspected fraud in Minnesota.
US health agency to negotiate prices for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said on Tuesday it will negotiate drug prices with manufacturers of GLP-1 medications, in an attempt to expand access to the weight-loss treatments.
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.
Vice President Vance presents a Christian vision of politics
In a speech this week, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, America’s second Catholic vice president, laid out a distinctly Christian vision for American politics.
Rep. Harriet Hageman, who defeated Liz Cheney, announces run for Wyoming Senate seat
Wyoming’s lone U.S. representative is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Cynthia Lummis, who isn’t seeking re-election.
Alliance 4 American Leadership PAC endorses Elijah Manley for CD 20
He’s called for renewed global aid spending by the U.S. equal to 2% of the federal budget.
Christmas Day sports: Here's a look at the premier matchups on the holiday
The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.
Christmas Day sports: Here's a look at the premier matchups on the holiday
The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar in the U.S. has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment while they sip on eggnog.
Harriet Hageman announces run for Wyoming Senate seat
Wyoming’s lone U.S. representative is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Cynthia Lummis, who isn’t seeking re-election.
Trump administration’s plan to shrink vaccine schedule sends health sector scrambling
The health sector is working to navigate what could be the most significant changes to the U.S. vaccine program in decades.
Ben Sasse announces stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis
The former U.S. Senator and University of Florida President shared a candid message about mortality, faith and family.
Klarna Sees Triple-Digit Spending Growth Across Entertainment, Experiences, and Automotive This Holiday Season
NEW YORK, December 23, 2025--Klarna, the global digital bank and flexible payments provider, today reports an increase in U.S. holiday spending beyond traditional retail, with consumers driving triple-digit year-over-year growth across entertainment (+130%), experiences (+115%) and automotive products (100%), such as vehicle maintenance and repairs, from December 1 through Monday, December 22, signaling a clear shift toward experiential and high-value practical purchases this season.
A Quarter Of American Families Face Financially Overwhelming Medical Expenses
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterTUESDAY, Dec. 23, 2025 (HealthDay News) — More than 1 in 4 Americans are struggling with financial toxicity, with big medical bills dragging down both their money and their health, a new study says. Nearly 27% of U.S. residents faced high medical expenses or ...
Venue Adjustments for Intermountain Health Freestyle International Presented by Stifel
PARK CITY, Utah (Dec. 23, 2025) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced updates to the Intermountain Health Freestyle International presented by Stifel, originally scheduled to take place at Deer Valley Resort. Due to unseasonably warm weather, both the aerials and moguls World Cup events will be moved.
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.”
Idahoans gather in Nampa to urge extension of health care premium tax credits
About two dozen Idahoans gathered amid cold winds Thursday night in Nampa for a “pre-funeral” for affordable health care in the U.S.
Companies collecting pennies on the dollar in market to recoup some tariff costs
Some U.S. companies are hedging their bets on the Supreme Court case against President Donald Trump's sweeping emergency tariffs by selling their rights to collect potential government refunds of the taxes to outside investors.
U.S. signs new health deals with 9 African countries that mirror Trump's priorities
Annual U.S. health funding to the nine countries has dropped 49% compared with 2024, while the nations must increase domestic spending and meet political conditions.