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Science funding was hit in 2025. What does that mean for the future? : Consider This from NPR
2025 was a hard year for science. The Trump administration upended federal funding for all kinds of scientific pursuits, slashing budgets across agencies like NASA, NIH and NOAA. NPR's Rob Stein and Katia Riddle spoke to scientists and officials who worry that those cuts could cause the United States to lose its competitive edge as a global hub for research and innovation, and steer future generations away from careers in science. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.This episode was produced by Michael Levitt, with audio engineering by Zo vanGinhoven. It was edited by Sarah Handel, Scott Hensley and Amina Khan. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
All of the Power, None of the Fun
Being a GOP member of Congress in the Trump era is pretty miserable.
FanDuel SN channels could be sold as broadcaster scrambles for funds
If a sale falls through, Main Street Sports Group could ultimately be shut down following the current NBA and NHL seasons.
From less business with primes to a better-funded Army network: 2025 review
In 2025, the Army experienced some of its biggest changes in decades, and with this came new programs and new attitudes toward acquisition at large.
Nine mental-health tips for a happier 2026
Regardless of any resolutions you may have for 2026, one thing is for sure: Everyone wants to have a happy new year.While losing weight or saving money may be great goals, the most straightforward path to happiness is caring for your mental and emotional health. A robust body of research shows that simple cognitive and behavioral strategies can reliably boost happiness and reduce stress – and they’re generally free and accessible to all.These strategies don’t have to be super time-consuming, but they do require intention: They only work if you do them.Here, psychologist Valentina Ogaryan, PhD, clinical director of the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, shares her top tips for cultivating more calm, centeredness and happiness in the new year (or anytime):Make time for playPlay isn’t just for kids, and it’s far from frivolous. The National Institute for Play says engaging in silliness, fun and just-for-pleasure activities reduces stress and increases optimism and resilience. A recent review also found that play improves mental health.“Adults can benefit from play as much as children,” Dr. Ogaryan says, “not just as a reward, but something that helps regulate.”So go ahead and dance with your dog, build something with Legos, tell a joke, sing karaoke or do anything else that feels like fun. Don’t worry about being productive, just enjoy yourself. And, if you can, opt for more analog play, Dr. Ogaryan suggests, as a respite from our ever-more-digital world. Move your bodyWhether you dance, ski, do yoga, play pickleball, ride a bike, roller-skate, hike or lift weights, physical movement benefits overall happiness and well-being. A 2018 review study of more than 1.2 million adults in the U.S. found that doing any kind of exercise was “significantly and meaningfully associated” with better self-reported mental health.The sweet spot was 45 minutes of movement three to five times a week, but even short bursts of physical activity can boost brain health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Movement helps support mood and regulate the nervous system,” Dr. Ogaryan says.Plus: exercise can improve sleep quality, and sleep is essential for mental health.Prioritize sleep“Sleep plays a major role in managing stress,” Dr. Ogaryan says. Research shows that lack of sufficient sleep increases the risk of various diseases, including depression.While stress can interfere with sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene can make logging ZZ’s easier. That means maintaining a consistent bedtime; keeping the bedroom cool, dark and quiet; and avoiding social media, news and stimulating shows before bed.Consume lessWe live in a consumer culture, inundated by endless streams of content and advertising everywhere we go, which makes it easy to get overstimulated.“Something really helpful for stress reduction is to simply consume less,” Dr. Ogaryan says – less news, less social media, less information, less noise, less screen time. “It’s about reducing the input,” she says.Consider setting a maximum number of news articles per day, for example, or a time limit on scrolling. Maybe even go device free for an afternoon or a whole day.Practice present-moment awarenessWith so much coming at us all the time, focusing on the here and now can make life feel more manageable, Dr. Ogaryan says: “When everything feels super overwhelming, when everything feels larger than life, let’s make our world a little bit smaller for that moment in time.”She suggests taking things one day, or even one hour, at a time. Ask yourself: What’s my next right action? Release the need to know how everything turns out and liberate yourself from having to handle everything right now. Let the future take care of itself and just focus on the current moment. Then the next one. Have a daily anchorFrom work to the daily commute to family and life responsibilities, our days can feel jam-packed. Dr. Ogaryan recommends creating a centering daily anchor that can fit into even the busiest day.Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or mindfully enjoying your coffee in the morning. Let your anchor adapt to your needs each day, she says, but be intentional about using that time to ground yourself and calm your nervous system. You might even say to yourself, “I choose this walk to help me become centered,” or “My day already feels stressful, so I’m going to take the next 10 minutes to enjoy this cup of coffee, feel the warm mug in my hand and just be present.” Having an anchor won’t erase the busy-ness from your day, but it will allow you to approach it more calmly.Be kind to yourselfMost of us have a harsh inner critic in our heads who works overtime. But that critical voice only increases our stress, triggering the same fight-or-flight response as caustic words from another person.To feel happier, we need to replace that inner critic with a kinder, more compassionate voice, Dr. Ogaryan says. Studies show that self-compassion is a source of eudaimonic happiness – the kind of happiness associated with purpose and meaning in life.While our knee-jerk reaction may be to self-criticize – “How could you let it get to this point? You didn’t manage your time well and now the project is going to be late. You’re so inept.” – we fare better mentally by treating ourselves with kindness, like we would a friend. That might sound like, “You’ve got a lot on your plate, but you are capable and you’ll get it done. I believe in you.”We may think that speaking kindly to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook, so we end up becoming lazy do-nothings. But research shows the opposite: People who are self-compassionate are more likely to try harder in the face of failure and ultimately reach their goals.You can thank your inner critic for its good intentions, but resolve to talk to yourself in a kind, compassionate voice.Connect with othersHumans are social animals built for connection. Stress can be isolating and cause us to withdraw, but connecting with others is a salve for the psyche, Dr. Ogaryan says.“We know that not all relationships are always easy, but if we can think about intentional, nourishing connection – even in really small doses – it could really help center us,” she says.Take a moment to laugh with your colleagues, hug your pet, have a conversation with a friend or smile at the barista making your coffee. A study found that even tiny interactions with casual acquaintances and strangers decreases loneliness and improves happiness and well-being.Seek supportIf you try these practices and happiness remains elusive, or if you can’t access the wherewithal to follow these tips, seek support from your physician or a therapist. Mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the U.S. and around the world – more prevalent than diabetes or heart disease. One in five people in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, with depression and anxiety the most common, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.“We can all think about these tips,” Dr. Ogaryan says. “But it’s important to recognize if you’ve done everything you can and you’re still really struggling, it’s really important to seek help.”
The disunity of science is a feature, not a bug
Mathematical models wield miraculous power, but mistaking them for reality has trapped science in a destructive quest for a “Theory of Everything.” Physicist and philosopher Ragner Fjelland argues that this leads to bloated, Frankenstein theories kept alive by clumsy, ad-hoc amendments, which reduce rather than boost science’s power. Fjelland calls for a radical shift in our attitude: we must reorientate towards creating entirely new theories, celebrating rather than lamenting disunity and diversity in science. Science, from the scientific revolution in the seventeenth century to the present day, has more or less developed in a “reductionist” way. The fundamental assumption is that all sciences may be ordered in a hierarchy that can be represented as an upside-down pyramid. At the top we find the human sciences, and at the bottom physics. Strong (or “ontological”) reductionism maintains that all theories at one level can be completely reduced to the lower level, all the way down to theories of atoms and elementary particles, or whatever is “at the bottom.” In the end, all diversity in the world can be unified in one fundamental theory. Hence it is called a final theory, or a Theory of Everything.One of the central figures in developing the idea of a Theory of Everything is the Dutch theoretical physicist Gerard 't Hooft, who received a Nobel Prize in physics in 1999 for his work. He emphasizes the non-empirical status of the theory:There exists no closely resembling alternative theory. This means that any slight change brought about in the rules would make the theory unlikely or inelegant. The theory will be a "package deal": take it, or leave it. This should hold both for the local laws and for the boundary conditions.This endeavor is not new. On the contrary, it goes all the way back to the birth of Western philosophy 2,500 years ago. The Babylonians made regular astronomical observations during a period of 600 years, from 747 BCE until 150 ACE. They developed mathematical techniques to predict astronomical phenomena, but they made no attempts at explaining them. However, the Greeks developed models, both material and theoretical, to explain the observed phenomena.The best example is Plato’s late dialogue Timaeus. Here he introduces a divine craftsman, the Demiurge, who has constructed the universe according to an original plan. Plato seems to have thought that the original plan is what is actually real, while the material world is merely an imperfect realization of it. He therefore does not, in the Timaeus, reconstruct the material universe, but the original plan, which can then be used to explain the material universe.Plato’s aim in producing a theoretical model is to reconstruct the original plan. That is what he carries out in Timaeus—and some modern physicists have embarked on the same project. For example, Einstein’s basic attitude is reflected in the title of Abraham Pais’ biography: “Subtle is the Lord...,” echoing Einstein’s comment, “Subtle is the Lord, but malicious He is not.” In an interview Einstein compared our situation to a child who enters a huge library. The child knows that someone has written the books, but he does not know the languages in which they are written. He suspects that there is a mysterious order, but he does not know what it is.___“We have all been working in what Husserl called the Galilean style; that is, we have all been making abstract mathematical models of the universe to which at least the physicists give a higher degree of reality than they accord the ordinary world of sensation.”Steven Weinberg, Nobel Prize in Physics (1979)___This Platonist view is contrary to a widespread impression of science, symbolized by the picture of the “father” of modern science, Galileo Galilei, with his telescope. According to this impression, Galileo liberated himself from the dominating metaphysics of his day—basically Aristotelian philosophy—and constructed a telescope that he directed towards the sky, showing that Jupiter has four moons. He also performed experiments with bronze balls rolling down inclined planes and found the law of freely falling bodies.However, in other cases Galileo emphasized the unreliability of our senses. It is easy to see why. He defended Copernicus’ heliocentric hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, we are not at rest at the center of the universe, but moving at a tremendous speed through space. Why don’t we observe this motion? Galileo praises Copernicus because “with reason as his guide he resolutely continued to affirm what sensible experience seemed to contradict.” In other places he directly refers to Plato. SUGGESTED VIEWING The quest for a final theory With Michio Kaku Galileo’s Platonism goes back to his early writings. In The Assayer, published as early as 1623, Galileo compared the universe to a grand book that is written in the language of mathematics, and “its characters are triangles, circles, and other geometric figures without which it is humanly impossible to understand a single word of it.” Therefore, things that cannot be described by mathematics—for example, colors, smells and odors—are not real. They are merely subjective.This division into subjective and objective, advocated by Galileo and his younger contemporary René Descartes, is normally associated with a mechanistic world view, which is regarded as the opposite of Platonism. When we reduce something to, for example, molecules and atoms, we move “downwards.” In contrast, the Platonist moves “upwards,” to abstract entities. However, it only shows that when we address fundamental questions, we should be careful in applying everyday spatial metaphors like “up” and “down.”___Nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world.___The endeavor of finding a Theory of Everything has been heavily criticized. In 2006, the theoretical physicist Lee Smolin published “The Crisis in Fundamental Physics.” He argued that one of the most fundamental principles of science is that we should only regard theories as scientific if we have the possibility to show that they are false by experiments. Although he did not refer to Karl Popper, other critics have referred to Popper and argued that a theory is not scientific if it cannot be falsified (see for example Ellis & Silk 2014).These were not the first physicists to be anti-reductionists. In 1972, the journal Science published an article by the physicist Philip Anderson with the title “More Is Different.” This is the kind of article a scientist would normally write only after he has won a Nobel Prize. However, Anderson won the Nobel Prize for physics five years later, in 1977. The article is amazing, not primarily because it argues in favor of anti-reductionism in general, but because it argues for anti-reductionism within physics itself. Anderson’s conclusion was:At each stage entirely new laws, concepts, and generalizations are necessary, requiring inspiration and creativity to just as great a degree as in the previous one. Psychology is not applied biology, nor is biology applied chemistry.We may say that Plato started the “unity of science movement,” based on Euclidean geometry as the model of all knowledge. A distinguishing mark of geometry is that all possible constructions can be reduced to a few fundamental principles. We have to acknowledge that this approach has limitations. In general, we can easily model technological systems. In addition, we may construct simplified and idealized models that capture important aspects of systems, from various perspectives and for various purposes. But nature is complex, and we cannot in general construct mathematical models that adequately describe the world. In a complex system, each level has its distinct, emergent, properties that are characteristic of this level. Therefore, a complex system should be investigated at different levels and from different perspectives. Instead of exclusively pursuing a scientific ideal based on the unity of science, we should acknowledge the diversity—or even the disunity—of science.
Scientists find a weak spot in deadly fungus that shut down hospital intensive care units
A deadly hospital fungus that resists nearly every antifungal drug may have an unexpected weakness. Researchers discovered that Candida auris activates specific genes during infection to hunt for nutrients it needs to survive. This insight came from a new living-host model that allowed scientists to watch the fungus in action. The findings could eventually lead to new treatments or allow current drugs to be repurposed.
Vermont Department of Mental Health offers free training for clinicians to address problem gambling issues
When Vermont legalized sports betting, it allocated funds to address problem gambling issues. The Department of Mental Health is now expanding those services.
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.
UNC Health's new CEO takes the helm amid "acute headwinds" in health care
This comes amid looming Medicaid cuts, a drop in research funding, expansion statewide and the uncertain future of a children's hospital.
Entertainment vs. reality: How media glamorizes opioids and warps teens' perception
Opioids are often shown in movies, music, and social media as party drugs, symbols of fun, rebellion, or a carefree lifestyle. Instead of highlighting the real dangers of addiction, withdrawal or overdose, entertainment culture turns powerful and deadly substances into aesthetic props. This glamorized image shapes how teens and young adults think about opioids, making […]
Family, friends remember former WBRC sports reporter Christina Chambers
A funeral Mass was held Monday morning at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cullman. Chambers was killed at her home in Hoover on Dec. 16, 2025.
'Big Brother' alum Mickey Lee in 'critical condition' after suffering multiple cardiac arrests
Micky Lee, an alum of 'Big Brother' season 27, is in 'critical condition' after suffering a 'series of cardiac arrests'. Her family is currently fundraising to help cover sudden medical expenses.
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.
N.Y. comptroller candidate's report decries DiNapoli's managing of pension fund
It claims the fees paid out to hundreds of Wall Street managers have underperformed, forcing taxpayers to make up the difference.
Trump denies Colorado disaster aid for wildfires, prompting accusations of ‘political games’
Colorado politicians on both sides of the aisle are pushing back after President Donald Trump’s administration denied two disaster declaration requests that would have unlocked federal funds for recovery efforts. Gov. Jared Polis said in...
Pillen will fully fund $15 million business startup program he had cut by 25%
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced plans Monday to restore funding to a state program that invests early in local startups.
Not going to lie, ChatGPT's new year end recap made me feel a bit ashamed
ChatGPT has a fun new end of year recap, though in my case it highlighted just how much I overuse AI as well.
US Signs New Health Deals With 9 African Countries That Mirror Trump's Priorities
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The U.S. government has signed health deals with at least nine African countries, part of its new approach to global health funding, with agreements that reflect the Trump administration’s interests and priorities and are geared toward providing less aid and more mutual ...
Pillen halts freeze on Business Innovation Act funding
After a review of the program, Gov. Jim Pillen said he will ask the Legislature for an increase in funding for the Business Innovation Act, from $12 million this fiscal year, to $15 million next year.
Sandra Martinez & Line Kemeyou
Line Kemeyou, a cardiologist at University of Utah Health, says it’s executive assistants (EAs) like Sandra Martinez who help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes and who really deserve the spotlight. “She’s my brain,” Line says of Sandra. “I wouldn’t know how to function without her.”
Pelvic health physical therapy restores quality of life for Veterans
VA's Pelvic Health Physical Therapy program is transforming the lives of Veterans by addressing a sensitive but common issue: pelvic floor dysfunction.
Tala Health Launches With $100M to Transform Patient Care Through AI Collaboration
The funding, led by Sofreh Capital, ranks among the largest early-stage rounds for a healthtech startup this year.
How To Submit Public Comments To Oppose Proposed Rules Restricting Transgender Health Care Access
Comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can help fight the Trump administration’s latest attempt to restrict federal funding for transgender health care for youth. This toolkit details how to submit them.
2025 was a tumultuous year in New Orleans politics
2025 was full of historic events, including a deadly terrorist attack, a snowstorm and hosting Super Bowl LIX. But ironically enough, it was the inability of city government to perform seemingly simple duties, like following through on deals and staying on budget, that revealed the true dysfunction at City Hall.
2025 Health Care Delivery Snapshot
In 2025, MSMS advanced physician interests through advocacy, collaboration, and direct support on payer, legal, and regulatory issues. MSMS submitted letters, individually or jointly, to federal and state legislators and regulators on issues including Medicare payment, Medicaid funding, telehealth, physician-owned hospitals, downcoding policies, out-of-network care, substance use disorder home health, ACA premium tax credits, immunizations, and medical student loans. MSMS met...
This cancer-fighting molecule took 50 years to build
MIT scientists have achieved the first-ever lab synthesis of verticillin A, a complex fungal compound discovered in 1970. Its delicate structure stalled chemists for decades, despite differing from related molecules by only two atoms. With the synthesis finally complete, researchers created new variants that showed strong activity against a rare pediatric brain cancer. The breakthrough could unlock an entire class of previously unreachable cancer-fighting molecules.
Comptroller Auditing Troubled Health Benefits Fund for City Workers
In audio obtained by THE CITY, District Council 37 executive director Henry Garrido railed against the Comptroller’s probe as “outrageous,” “unprecedented” and a “political stunt.”
Top science stories of 2025
In a year of funding chaos, ongoing climate change and pollution perils, we also saw the most powerful telescope yet, personalized gene therapy, and the next-best-thing to an HIV vaccine — not to mention a brand-new color
Bob on Business: Fort Worth real estate group’s mental health nonprofit aids research
Also, scholarship funding from a Fort Worth business.
White House pushes Smithsonian to comply with review to receive federal funding
The Trump administration has signaled to the Smithsonian Institution that the White House could withhold federal funding from the museum organization if it does not comply with the administration’s unprecedented, sweeping review.
San Rafael inks deal with chamber for business support
Under the $140,000 agreement, the chamber will manage the Downtown Business Improvement District funds and support programing and revitalization efforts.
MIT Scientists Have Discovered a Way To Rejuvenate the Immune System
As the immune system weakens with age, researchers have found a way to temporarily boost its function by reprogramming liver cells to support T-cell development.
Best space board games to play this Christmas
Enjoy some out-of-this-world fun this Christmas with my selection of the best space board games available right now.
Caltech pulls off a trick that scientists thought was impossible
Engineers manage to intertwine several qubits at once, taking the biggest leap yet toward a functional quantum internet.
A tape measure, a metal detector and a spirit level: 25 surprisingly useful things you can do with your phone
While many use our phones predominantly to doomscroll, smartphones have a range of little-known functions that could make life better and easier – from heart monitoring to even developing camera film
Review: ‘Wizard of Oz’ sprinkles new magic on the classic story
City Springs Theatre’s “The Wizard of Oz” re-creates the 1939 classic film as faithfully as possible with fun performances, great music and Broadway-quality design.
Exclusive | ‘No need to explain’: leading mRNA vaccine expert Hu Haitao leaves US for China
China is catching up fast in mRNA-related fundamental research and technological development, Hu says.
Faith-based entertainment sees a revival in Hollywood. Defining what it is can be a challenge
LOS ANGELES – At the movies this fall, Josh O’Connor plays a hot priest with a complicated past, Keanu Reeves is an angel who lost his wings, and Elizabeth Olsen has a romantic dilemma in the afterlif...
Women entrepreneurs envision business futures in Durango
The number of women founders and employees is catching up to men locally and nationally, but gender-based hurdles persist. epond@durangoherald.com
I’ve been doing this standing exercise for six months and it’s transformed my core strength
Swap sit-ups for this functional move
'I've lived it': Valeria Alarcón pushes for state funding for rural, tribal health councils
"As a woman of color, cancer survivor in this field of work, it feels like all of my life experiences are ... to inform the work that I do —
Judge orders Dept. of Education to reverse ‘unlawful discontinuation’ of youth mental health grants
Judge Evanson ruled that the Department of Education acted unlawfully when it abruptly terminated the mental health grants, which were originally intended to fund additional mental health professionals in schools.
I Spent $160,000 of My Family's Savings to Bootstrap a Startup — Here's What No One Tells You About Funding
Every dollar counts, and you quickly learn to focus on paying customers and measuring ROI before chasing vanity metrics.
Democrats see health care subsidies leverage in shutdown deadline
House Democrats pressing to extend expiring ObamaCare subsidies are already looking ahead to a looming federal funding deadline as potential leverage in the fight. Both issues are already poised t…
UH: $2M Moore Foundation grant backs new postdoctoral science fellowship
Eleven emerging scientists will soon take on some of Hawaiʻi’s most urgent environmental and scientific challenges through a new University of Hawaiʻi systemwide postdoctoral fellowship program, funded by a $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
DEP funds water quality improvements in Indian River Lagoon
The DeSantis administration continues to work on water quality.
This “mushroom” is not a fungus, it’s a bizarre plant that breaks all the rules
Balanophora is a plant that abandoned photosynthesis long ago and now lives entirely as a parasite on tree roots, hidden in dark forest undergrowth. Scientists surveying rare populations across East Asian islands uncovered how its cellular machinery shrank but didn’t disappear, revealing unexpected similarities to parasites like malaria. Some island species even reproduce without sex, cloning themselves to colonize new habitats. This strange survival strategy comes with risks, leaving the plant highly vulnerable to habitat loss.
My picks for a day of downtown Milwaukee Christmas, holiday fun
Whether you're a Milwaukee homer, like me, or a first-time visitor, I've created a festive itinerary for a day during the most wonderful time of the year.
Dec. 20 Arts and Entertainment Calendar
Events coming up in the Greenville area offer music, arts, theater and family fun. Here is a sampling. In this events listing, “today” refers to Dec. 20.
See inside new Keystone Retreat Behavioral Health Center in Ephrata [photos]
Keystone Retreat Behavioral Health Center has opened on the Ephrata site once owned by the now-defunct addiction and mental health facility Retreat.
Congress leaves town until 2026 with no health care deal, forcing premium hikes
Four Republicans teamed up with Democrats to require a vote to revive ACA funds in early 2026. But Senate Republicans tell NBC News that bill is dead on arrival across the Capitol.
Impact on global mental health care delivery and research
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition, yet most do not receive adequate care. Persistent barriers such as underfunding, workforce…
Governor awards $20 million to expand rural primary care - 32 health care organizations to strengthen services statewide - Office of the Governor
SANTA FE — Thirty-two rural health care organizations will share $20 million in Rural Health Care Delivery Fund awards to expand primary care services across New Mexico. The fiscal year 2026 awards support projects that strengthen local health care capacity and improve access to coordinated, person-centered care in underserved areas — from tribal communities in […]
BikeRumor Editor’s Choice 2025 – Frazelle's Fun Faves and Reflection
Our Cycling Lifestyle Editor Ron, get's up close and personal as he gives out his unique picks for Editor's Choice Awards.
Mark Zuckerberg's CZI philanthropy stops funding the pro-immigration advocacy group he cofounded
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's philanthropy organization did not fund FWD.us in 2025. Zuckerberg cofounded the immigration reform group in 2013.
Support for scientific funding doesn’t have to be partisan — but scientists must make the case, says new study
Distrust of elites, not partisanship, best predicted people's support for cutting scientific funding.
He cost Chicago millions. City wants to keep doing business
Plus: The CTA promises more cops, Trump cuts student support funds and more
How to Reform Science Funding
Harvard’s recent announcement that it would significantly scale back its doctoral programs came as a shock to the rest of the academic world.
Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns all-time series history
Revisiting the most memorable moments and remembering those who played for the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.
CTSI to host three-part virtual mini-series on team science
Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) will host a three-part virtual mini-series focused on team science, led by Susan Simkins, director of Team Science with Penn State CTSI. Designed for researchers, staff and leaders working in collaborative environments, the series will provide practical, evidence-based strategies to help teams function more effectively and avoid the misalignment that often can slow down good science.
Evaluation of WHO’s coordination in health emergencies helps guide humanitarian reforms
The recent evaluation of the Global Health Cluster sheds new light on how WHO, in its unique role as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Cluster Lead Agency (CLA) for health, coordinates life-saving health responses in humanitarian crises. It highlights how WHO works through partnerships to reach the most vulnerable crisis-affected populations and strengthen collective action in increasingly complex emergencies. Serving both learning and accountability purposes, the evaluation provided timely and actionable recommendations that are helping to strategically position WHO during the ongoing IASC Humanitarian Reset and the broader UN 2.0 reforms, where prioritization and new ways of working are taking shape. The evaluation was conducted between 2024 and 2025, at a time when humanitarian action funding was plummeting by more than 50%, triggering the launch of the IASC Humanitarian Reset. While restructuring and prioritization across the humanitarian landscape were underway, the evaluation, through iterative feedback loops, shared emerging findings that helped identify the most crucial coordination functions needed. This was especially important at a time when humanitarian needs and health risks due to armed conflict and natural hazards were increasing, while the capacity of health partners to support Member States to equitably reach all populations affected by crises and deliver response was at risk. The evaluation found that the Global Health Cluster (GHC) remains a highly relevant mechanism for strengthening health coordination in crises and has delivered efficiently despite limited resources. It noted strong collaboration with partners and highlighted opportunities to deepen integration within WHO structures and further enhance inter-cluster cooperation. The evaluation also identified areas where greater emphasis on transition planning, national coordination capacity and linkages between humanitarian response and health system strengthening would bring added value. While the GHC has achieved many of its strategic objectives, improvements in monitoring systems would help better demonstrate collective impact. The recommendations will help strengthen the IASC CLA coordination function across WHO, at all levels, and with all partners. It is noted that going forward WHO needs to continue to support capacity to fulfil coordination functions, in line with the IASC Humanitarian Reset whilst ensuring collective prioritization of health cluster action and quality coverage of the health response. The evaluation will help WHO strengthen locally-led action, national ownership and leadership of the sector, and linkages between health system strengthening activities. Additionally, the evaluation evidence will be used to optimize resource mobilization for the GHC and strengthen WHO’s capacity to deliver, plan for and monitor and evaluate results across the Organization. Read the evaluation Global Health Cluster https://healthcluster.who.int/ WHO’s work in health emergencies https://www.who.int/emergencies/overview
TKL advises Onza Entertainment on its sale to Culture Cap7
The law firm TKL Abogados has advised Onza Entertainment, a leading independent production and distribution company in the Spanish audiovisual sector, on its sale to the private equity fund Culture Cap7 Fund I. Onza is responsible for some of the most renowned titles in the national audiovisual industry, such as the series El Ministerio del […]
Manor College Receives Commonwealth Grant for Dental Health Center Expansion
The grant will go towards increasing the size and modernizing the Dental Health Center on Manor College’s campus. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has granted Local Share Account funds that will benefit the expansion and renovation of Manor College’s Dental Health Center. “We are thrilled to move this project forward in such Read more >
Councilors advocate for science on Capitol Hill
ASBMB Councilors meet with their elected officials to advocate for basic scientific research funding and training the next generation of scientists.
Lamont details $168 million plan to cover federal cuts for food, health care, housing aid
Gov. Ned Lamont detailed his plans Thursday to use $168 million from an emergency fund lawmakers created last month. In a letter to legislative leaders, Lamont said he was tapping into the $500 million fund for access to food, housing, and health care. “We wanted to do – make sure that we had people’s backs and that our people weren’t…
GOP-led House passes bill to block the use of Medicaid funds for transgender care for minors
The GOP-controlled House passed a bill that would block Medicaid funds from being used for gender identity care to minors.
D.C. auditor finds advisory neighborhood commissioner misused public funds
The auditor found that Salim Adofo, the ANC 8C chair who ran for D.C. Council twice, used government funds for politics and referred the case to the D.C. attorney general.
Entertainment: 6 Ways To Have Last-Minute Holiday Fun
Haunted Holidays at The Rave, city lights tours, The Nutcracker and multiple charity events fill the days leading up to Christmas in Milwaukee.
DraftKings backed Healey’s political nonprofit on housing. Other funders are a mystery
DraftKings, the Boston sports-betting giant, donated $50,000 to a political advocacy group launched by Gov. Maura Healey to promote housing policies. It's a rare look at who's donating to this fund, at a time when sports gambling is getting greater scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators.
HHS moves to slash funding and access to care for transgender minors
The proposals announced Thursday would bar hospitals that receive federal funding from providing transition-related care to minors.
RFK Jr.'s Health Department Just Pulled Millions in Funding from the American Academy of Pediatrics
The grants involved research studying autism and sudden infant deaths.
House passes narrow health care package; sets up a vote on EPTCs in January
The House yesterday passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703), legislation to expand association health plans, increase transparency requirements for pharmacy benefit managers, and fund cost-sharing reductions for some Health Insurance Marketplace enrollees. The measure advanced by a 216-211 vote and will now move to the Senate for consideration.
Entertainment this week: Handel’s Messiah, Tahoe Philharmonic, Curtis Woodman’s Wayfinder Tour and more!
Friday, December 19 Friday Night Music at Cottonwood Restaurant – 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar, 10142 Rue Hilltop. Join us each Friday at Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar in Truckee for a fun night of...
Capitol agenda: Congress leaves health mess for January
Lawmakers will return after the holidays to resume their health care fight — and stare down another funding cliff.
Fact-checking Trump's speech and centrist Republicans' health care revolt: Morning Rundown
Plus, HHS terminates millions in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Faith-based entertainment sees a revival in Hollywood
As more movies and TV series about Biblical characters crop up, defining what counts as 'faith-based' can be a challenge.
Blank Foundation to give $6 million to sports programs in metro Atlanta schools
The foundation, in partnership with Atlanta United, the Atlanta Falcons and the PGA Tour Superstore, will provide the funding to six school districts over three years.
Potential lack of funding for plan to prevent violence against women ‘deeply concerning’, says victims’ commissioner
Claire Waxman warns government’s delayed strategy to halve violence against women and girls could end up ‘less than the sum of its parts’
Trump Supporters Distrust Science. We Need Ways to Reach Them.
Opinion | Funding cuts are devastating for U.S. science. Regaining support will require cleaning house and bipartisan messaging.
Trump says he plans to send more checks, this time to service members
Trump promised to send $1,776 in bonus checks to military members for Christmas, and said that tariffs are funding the payments.
What your mouth can reveal about your health
Scientists are discovering that the oral microbiome—home to hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi—may help predict everything from cancer risk to heart and brain health.
American Academy of Pediatrics loses government funding after criticizing RFK Jr
Cuts, which affect projects focused on issues including early identification of autism, made without prior notice to AAP
Maryland launches new platform, allocates $10 million in funding for local businesses
American Academy of Pediatrics loses HHS funding after criticizing RFK Jr.
HHS cuts key AAP grants, citing concerns about “identity-based language” and insufficient focus on agency priorities. The organization said the cuts could harm child health.
Who Has the Best Idea to Improve Denver? CU Denver Business School Launches Sustainability Competition to Find Out.
The new challenge, funded by Dr. Blair Gifford, calls on students and local partners to deliver real-world solutions for climate, housing, and urban
From Television Host To Media Mogul: How Scott Evans Is Expanding His Entertainment Empire
After years of dominating within the entertainment industry as an in-demand, beloved, and lauded Emmy-nominated television host, he has made shockwaves with his own brand and Webby-award-winning and self-funded show, ‘House Guest’ hosted on YouTube. His success lies in his infectious, warm personality and effortless ability to connect deeply with people, especially celebrities, through his show, ‘House Guest.’ The show filmed at his home with a small but mighty production crew, and curates an intimate environment that fosters authentic, genuine conversations, which typically go viral.
A black swan event: Keir actually cracked a good joke at PMQs
MPs from most corners of Commons laughed at the festive gag – but stony-faced Farage failed to see the funny side
Trump administration admits to targeting blue states for energy grant cuts
Justice Department lawyers argue in court documents that it is legal for the administration to withhold funding based on partisan politics.
A new era for sports communication at UNC Hussman | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
As director of UNC Hussman’s Sports Communication Focus Program, Distinguished Associate Professor of Sports Communication Livis Freeman is building on the work of the school’s legendary Distinguished Professor for Sports Communication John Sweeney. Sweeney, who retired last year, developed one of the most respected sports communication programs in the country. Freeman, now in his 12th year at the school, is launching an ambitious expansion of the program that is transforming how UNC prepares students for careers in sports media. The most visible change came this fall with a reimagining of “MEJO 377: Sports Communication.” Previously offered as two sections with 30 students each, the course expanded to 96 students and welcomed former UNC basketball star and NBA veteran Tyler Hansbrough as the co-instructor with Freeman, bringing real world professional experience directly into the classroom every week. The course has been a huge success. Students have participated in recording a podcast with Hansbrough and learned from an impressive lineup of guest speakers. Steve Kirschner, UNC’s senior associate director of athletics for communications, was the first in the course’s guest speaker series, followed by UNC Hussman alumni including Kaitlyn Schmidt ’23 from Bleacher Report, Deaton Bell ’90 from Turner Sports and Becca Royer ’19 from the Philadelphia 76ers. Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, also shared his insights with the class. The highlight of the semester came when Roy Williams, who coached Hansbrough and the Tar Heels to a national championship in 2009, visited the classroom. Former UNC men’s basketball players Luke Maye and Marcus Ginyard showed up to support their former coach and Hansbrough, creating an unforgettable experience as Williams entertained students with stories and insights that captivated the room. Student demand has been overwhelming. The course reached capacity within two days of registration opening, with more than 40 students on the waitlist. “Students want to learn from people who have actually lived these experiences,” Freeman said. “Tyler shares insights into media relations, broadcast production and athlete communications that you simply can’t get from a textbook.” The model proved so successful that the school secured funding to continue it for the next five years, with a different former professional athlete co-teaching each fall. The school’s curriculum committee approved a proposal to expand the course to 150 to 200 students starting in fall 2026. This change will make it an introductory course accessible to students from across the University, transforming it into a showcase course for the entire campus. The course redesign represents just one piece of a broader sports communication program overhaul. This fall, the curriculum committee approved “MEJO 390: Sports Play by Play,” the first course of its kind at UNC. Limited to 10 advanced students, the course will be taught by Matt Krause, the current voice of UNC women’s basketball and an ACC Network broadcaster. Students will call actual games across multiple sports including women’s softball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as men’s soccer and lacrosse. They will also shadow broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball games. “The sports broadcasting industry is exploding with streaming platforms and conference networks creating unprecedented demand,” Freeman said. The course emerged directly from student advocacy, led by Anna Laible ’26 and others who pushed for hands-on broadcasting experience. Professional equipment has been acquired, partnerships with UNC Athletics are in place and a soft launch began this semester with three experienced students calling games to test the system. The program’s growth extends into other specialized areas as well. Last spring, Stembler Professor Charlie Tuggle launched a new sports event management and hospitality course in partnership with On Location, a company that manages major sporting event experiences. The course provided students with opportunities to travel to the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, and Tuggle plans to take a group to the 2026 Milan Olympics this spring. Looking ahead to spring 2026, Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg will debut a sports data visualization course, adding another dimension to the program’s skill-building offerings. The curriculum expansion reflects the increasingly diverse career paths available in sports media, from traditional journalism and broadcasting to digital analytics and strategic communication. The program is also diving into one of college athletics’ most transformative developments: Name, Image and Likeness rights. Freeman’s “MEJO 466: Sports Marketing” class collaborated last spring with Associate Professor Gary Kayye’s “MEJO 371: Advertising Creative” class on a project with UNC’s Carolina NIL group to help rebrand their organization. That same semester, Kayye’s class envisioned Chapel Thrill, UNC football’s new pregame concert and entertainment experience. And Shaun Anderson, the school’s Knight Chair in Sports, Race and Media, continues to explore the broader implications of NIL through his research and teaching. These NIL-focused initiatives give students direct exposure to the business side of college athletics at a moment when the landscape is rapidly evolving. “Our students aren’t just learning about these changes,” Freeman said. “They’re actively helping shape how schools and athletes navigate them.” The transformation of UNC Hussman’s sports communication program reflects a broader philosophy about how to prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing industry. By bringing in professional practitioners like Hansbrough and Krause, partnering with industry leaders like On Location and ACC Network, and engaging with current issues like NIL, the program ensures students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For alumni who remember the foundations John Sweeney built, the expansion represents an evolution rather than a departure. The program still emphasizes strong reporting, strategic communication, ethical communication and critical thinking. But now it also offers students the chance to call live games, work on real NIL campaigns and learn directly from former professional athletes. “We’re not just teaching students about sports media,” Freeman said. “We’re giving them the tools, experiences and connections to actually build careers in it.” With new courses launching, professional partnerships deepening and enrollment expanding, UNC Hussman’s sports communication program is positioning itself as a national leader in preparing the next generation of sports media professionals. For current students, the message is clear: if you’re interested in sports communication, there’s never been a better time to be at UNC Hussman. And for the hundreds of students trying to get off waitlists and into these new courses, the school is working to create more opportunities. The program John Sweeney built is growing in ways that honor his legacy while meeting the demands of a new era in sports media.
Help! American Airlines downgraded me and then refused a refund
I booked a business class seat for my American Airlines flight from St. Thomas to Charlotte, but 45 minutes before boarding, a gate agent told me my seat was broken
Centrist Republicans revolt, signing a petition to force a vote on Obamacare funding
The Affordable Care Act subsidies are still expected to expire at the end of this year, however, raising insurance premiums for millions of Americans.
Korea’s long-term strategy for 2D materials: fundamental science is the secret of success
An interview with Moon-Ho Jo, director of the IBS Center for Van der Waals Quantum Solids in Korea
Children’s Miracle Network reaches historic fundraising milestone
Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) has reached a historic milestone, surpassing $100 million raised to support lifesaving care at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Penn State Health Milton S.
Michigan Senate votes to restore more than $600M in GOP funding cuts
Groups said they were blindsided by the cuts and their state-authorized spending plans did not constitute waste, fraud or abuse.
Scene Calendar: Holiday and Christmas fun rule week in entertainment
A comprehensive list of Gainesville-area entertainment events.
U.S. scientists must compete internationally, just like auto and steel workers do
“We ask auto and steel workers to compete with the world, yet we treat research funding as something that must be protected from it,” an economist writes.
'Fallout' is bleak but funny science fission : Pop Culture Happy Hour
Fallout is based on a hugely successful video game series known for blending a sardonic, very dark comedic sensibility, and violence. The series is set in the game's post-apocalyptic world – an America divided into factions wrestling for control of an irradiated wasteland. When the hopeful Lucy (Ella Purnell) steps out of the comfortable life she's known in an underground vault, the world she's confronted with is harsh, brutal, merciless – and kinda funny. Fallout just returned for a second season on Prime Video, so today we’re revisiting our conversation about the show.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says some AI startups are wildly overpriced — and a correction is coming
The Google DeepMind CEO warns that some early AI startups are overvalued and the current pace of funding won't last.