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Health alert: Influenza activity trending up across Kansas, U.S.
Kansas is reflecting national trends of respiratory virus cases on the rise.
The Best New Tech and Business Podcasts 2025
Quantity is so often the enemy of quality, a truth made plainly apparent across podcast feeds these days: Everyone and their cousin—or, rather, everyone and their Series B investor—is trying to do a lengthy chat show, seated behind high-end video cameras and the same set of Shure mics that Joe ...
Conversations bridge Public Health and MAHA
Leaders in public health and MAHA have different views on how to improve Americans' health and often talk past each other. A new podcast helps them talk directly.
10 Goldman Sachs leaders share the books and podcasts that made them smarter in 2025
From biographies to stories of wartime heroics, Goldman Sachs leaders share the books and podcasts that shaped their thinking in 2025.
Best of Clarksville Showcases Local Businesses, Entertainment, and Family Fun - Clarksville Online - Clarksville News, Sports, Events and Information
Clarksville, TN - The 29th Annual Best of Clarksville triumphantly returned to Governor's Square Mall in October, bringing together the best businesses
Ethics investigations, scandals plague Colorado Capitol
Over the course of the year, a series of investigations, allegations and controversies emerged at the state Capitol, drawing scrutiny to the behavior of elected officials and, in some cases, overshadowing policy debates. Here are some of the notable investigations, stories and accusations to come out of Colorado’s latest legislative session. Sonya Jaquez Lewis In […]
💰 Saudi clubs admit: signing Vinicius Junior is a possibility
Ramón Planes, sporting director of Al Ittihad, has fueled the 'Vinicius Case'. The Spanish executive has not hesitated to stir up rumors placing Vinicius Júnior at the center of the ambitious Saudi ...
New York Department of Health announces most flu cases ever recorded in 1 week
The New York Department of Health announced that their most recent data showed 71,123 positive flu cases reported in the week ending on December 20.
Kosovo heads to polls hoping to break political deadlock
Europe’s youngest country is headed for yet another election, casting its European path further in doubt.
petgugu to Showcase Its AI-Driven Pet Health Ecosystem at CES 2026, Featuring the World’s First Self-Flushing Smart Cat Toilet
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- petgugu, a leading pet technology company focused on AI- and robotics-enabled intelligent care systems, will introduce its full AI Pet Health Ecosystem at CES 2026 (January 6–9, 2026), at Booth 53162 in the Venetian Expo Halls A–D. The ecosystem is designed to help families better understand and manage their pets’ well-being through continuous monitoring, data insights, and automated hygiene technologies. AI Pet Health Ecosystem: A Data-Driven Framewo
Nebraska's casinos set record for sports betting in November
The state's five racetrack casinos brought in more than $1.5 million in sports betting revenue last month, which was a 25% increase over the previous record set in November 2024.
‘Super flu’ sends NYC flu cases to highest level in a decade
Live entertainment schedule through Jan. 31 released by Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana has released the calendar of live entertainment performances through Jan. 31, 2026.
RFK Jr. declares public health emergency for WA flooding
Ferguson plans to ask for major disaster declaration from Trump
Where to watch Manchester United vs. Newcastle live stream
Can Manchester United overcome the absences in their squad at home against Eddie Howe's side?
This school banned phones. Remarkable things happened.
After Ballard High School banned phones, they saw a 67 percent increase in students checking out library books. We hear from psychologist Jean Twenge about what phone bans can do for kids.
Year in review: Trump's foreign policy : The NPR Politics Podcast
Editor's note: This episode originally aired on December 16, 2025.As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we explore what President Trump's administration has done in terms of foreign policy, and what might be expected in the coming year.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and national security correspondent Greg Myre.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Film premiere, 'Cats,' youth theater, food celebrity visit among 2025's entertainment highlights
Lancaster and the surrounding areas: you did it again.
Google is letting some people change their @gmail address
Google is letting some people change their @gmail address, and they can swap back to their old email at any point.
Vote now: Would you rather have a $240K in-person job or a $120K remote one?
TikTokers have been debating two jobs: $120,000 for virtual work, or $240,000 for five days in-person. It's time to cast your vote.
Donald Trump Gets Lowest Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Ever: Report
Despite Trump’s boasts, the broadcast’s ratings reportedly dropped 35 percent from last year’s record low.
Donald Trump Gets Lowest Kennedy Center Honors Ratings Ever: Report
Despite Trump’s boasts, the broadcast’s ratings reportedly dropped 35 percent from last year’s record low.
Whiskey, Soup, Parody and Politics: Lessons from Two Key District Court Trademark Decisions of 2025
This year started with a district court decision defining the parameters of parody and trademark infringement and ended with a case that could have taken the overlap of parody and political free speech to a new level, had it not settled.
New Media TV-format talk show showcases Tulsa entertainment
The entertainment series emphasizes quality production and local voices
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.
Everybody's Business: The Year, According to Tracey Alloway, Felix Salmon, and Robert Smith
Listen Everybody's Business Podcast
Media and Entertainment's Biggest Innovations of 2025
Artificial intelligence brought evolution to the entertainment industry in 2025, but that's not all that changed this year.
Where Is All the A.I.-Driven Scientific Progress?
A tech C.E.O. explains why A.I. probably won’t cure diseases anytime soon. Hint: You still need humans.
‘We won, the president lost,’ Jimmy Kimmel says in Christmas message
Jimmy Kimmel gave a Christmas address on British broadcaster Channel 4 poking fun at the state of America under President Trump.
'Just a random thought': Local business owner starts modern-day cash scavenger hunt
The prize for the lucky winners is not just the thrill of the chase but also a pocket full of cash.
Proposal would end in-play sports bets in New York
Yet another piece of legislation has been introduced seeking further limits on sports betting in New York state. Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-New York City, recently introduced legislation (A.9343) that would no longer allow casinos and mobile sports betting platforms to accept in-play wagers. In-play sports betting, also known as live betting or in-game betting, is…
Proposal Would End In-Play Sports Bets In N.Y.
Yet another piece of legislation has been introduced seeking further limits on sports betting in New York state. Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-New York City, recently introduced legislation (A.9343) that would no longer allow casinos and mobile sports betting platforms to accept in-play wagers. In-play sports betting, also known as live betting or in-game betting, is […]
Trump rings in Christmas Day with a flurry of posts denouncing perceived foes and casting doubt on the 2020 election
The president posted on Truth Social over 100 times overnight, also touting his own economic policies and efforts to end foreign wars.
Year in review: Trump’s environmental policy : The NPR Politics Podcast
As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we look at how America’s stance on environmental policy has shifted under the second Trump administration and what the potential impacts could be.This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, climate correspondent Michael Copley, and automotive and energy correspondent Camila Domonoske.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
The seed vaults that could save humanity
These genetic libraries plan for worse-case scenarios.
I went from consulting to being the CEO of Pittsburgh's airport. Here's what passengers don't see.
Christina Cassotis went from consulting to the CEO of a major airport. Here's how she got there and what passengers don't see.
Who are the announcers for the NFL Christmas games? Netflix, Amazon full list
The NFL is featuring a tripleheader of games on Christmas. Here's a look at the full list of broadcasters on Netflix and Amazon for each game.
I left Big Law at 29 to become a rabbi, then changed careers again at 40. Here's what I learned about finding the perfect job.
Justin Pines, the CEO of the Jewish Broadcasting Service, initially took a "safe" career path in corporate law, before becoming a rabbi.
Health officials confirm case of measles in Central Virginia and more headlines
Health officials confirm case of measles in Central Virginia
Sports/Rec calendar: Dec. 26–Jan. 4, 2026
Upcoming recreation opportunities and college and prep sports
Bausch Health (BHC) Is Up 5.3% After US$1.6 Billion Debt Exchange - Has The Bull Case Changed?
Bausch Health Companies recently completed fixed-income exchange offers, issuing US$1.60 billion of new 10.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2032 to refinance existing senior secured notes under Regulation S and Rule 144A. This large-scale refinancing reshapes the company’s debt profile and may influence how investors assess its balance-sheet resilience and long-term obligations. Next, we’ll examine how this large US$1.60 billion debt exchange reshapes Bausch Health’s investment narrative and...
Best of: Lean on Me
Editor's note: On Tuesday, Dec. 11, The Business Journal hosted its 12th annual Best of Central Valley Business awards, showcasing the best that the Central Valley has to offer. Winners in the Real Estate, Construction
DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish releasing Epstein files
More than a million more documents could be relevant to the Epstein case
DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish releasing Epstein files
More than a million more documents could be relevant to the Epstein case
DOJ says it has found over a million additional documents potentially related to Epstein
The Justice Department on Wednesday said it has uncovered over a million more documents potentially related to the Jeffrey Epstein case and may need “a few more weeks” to process and release them to the public.
Year in review: Trump, gerrymandering & redistricting : The NPR Politics Podcast
As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we explore how President Trump pushed Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps with the hope of getting more Republican members of the House of Representatives, and how that led to an escalation of partisan gerrymandering throughout the country.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, and voting correspondents Miles Parks & Ashley Lopez.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
One year later, D&D 2024 feels like a new edition in disguise
Wizards of the Coast says it’s just a revision. After a year of books and rules changes, D&D 2024 tells a very different story.
The Business of Watches Podcast: Audemars Piguet CEO Ilaria Resta Drives Double-Digit Sales Increase For Brand's 150th Anniversary Year
How AP managed to grow sales amid an industry downturn and how its Chief Executive is positioning the brand for the next century.
Why I Quit Streaming And Got Back Into Cassettes
In the age of Spotify and AI slop, tapes remind us what we’re missing when we stop taking risks.
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.
BP agrees deal to sell £7.4bn stake in Castrol to US investment firm
Stonepeak will acquire 65% of lubricants business as part of wider plans for the oil company to pay down its debt
Movies and TV shows casting across the US
Backstage compiled a list of movies and TV shows casting across the US.
As tetanus vaccination rates decline, doctors worry about rising case numbers
The harrowing, deadly infection could make a comeback, especially in states vulnerable to climate-linked natural disasters, like Florida and Texas, an NBC News investigation finds.
'Palace fight will have delighted Glasner'
Former Crystal Palace forward Glen Murray says Oliver Glasner will be "delighted" with the spirit shown by his side despite their Carabao Cup quarter-final exit on Tuesday evening. The Eagles fought back after Maxence Lacroix's late own goal to equalise deep into stoppage time and force penalties away at Arsenal, before the Gunners eventually progressed by winning the shootout. "When you take into consideration the way they lost the game at the weekend against Leeds, coming away to the Emirates in the quarter-final of a cup competition and digging in in the manner that they did showed character," Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
BP to Sell Majority Stake in Castrol Business for $6 Billion
The UK oil giant will divest a 65% stake, retaining the remaining interest via a joint venture, it said Wednesday. BP is shedding assets to reduce debt and turn around years of lagging performance that put the company in the crosshairs of activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management. It kicked off the sale process for Castrol back in February, when then-Chief Executive Officer Murray Auchincloss unveiled a strategic reset, promising to refocus on oil and gas, slash costs and reduce debt.
Gold, silver and platinum hit record highs as investors look for Santa rally; BP to sell stake in Castrol for $6bn
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Bart Story, Longtime Entertainment Research Executive, Dies at 63
He worked for the VSDA and SAG before spending more than two decades at MarketCast.
Basketball box scores, other sports results for Tuesday, December 23, 2025
TUESDAY’S RESULTS Boys Basketball WPIAL CLASS 6A Section 1 New Castle 60, Seneca Valley 26 New Castle 11 22 18 9 — 60 Seneca Valley 7 5 9 5...
Elder, Mason teachers set trend for student-led sports media teams
Mason, Elder media teachers discuss how sports broadcasts give creative and educational outlets for students in their communities and beyond.
I quit my job at 29 and traveled solo. I didn't tell my parents until I'd finished my business plan.
Cassi Zheng spent her 30th birthday alone in Tokyo. It gave her a chance to stop focusing on what was missing.
Business owners donate to low-income residents in housing units where they grew up
They gave presents and gift cards to families in Elmdale Court of Lucas Metropolitan Housing.
Ohio health department investigates Legionnaires’ outbreak at Christ Hospital
Three deaths reported among six cases since October
Japan brewer Sapporo to sell real estate business to KKR-PAG group for $2.6 billion, NHK reports
Japan's Sapporo Holdings will sell its real estate business to an investor group made up of private equity firms KKR and PAG for more than 400 billion yen ($2.57 billion), public broadcaster NHK said on Wednesday.
Bart Story, Entertainment Research Executive at SAG-AFTRA and MarketCast, Dies at 63
Bart Story, a veteran entertainment research executive who worked at SAG-AFTRA and MarketCast, died on Tuesday. He was 63.
Bart Story Dies: Veteran Entertainment Research Executive Was 63
Bart Story, a veteran entertainment research executive best known for his work at MarketCast and SAG-AFTRA, has died. He was 63.
Bart Story Dies: Veteran Entertainment Research Executive Was 63
Bart Story, a veteran entertainment research executive best known for his work at MarketCast and SAG-AFTRA, has died. He was 63. Story died on December 23, 2025, in Los Angeles from complications related to metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The executive spent more than three decades helping studios and streamers better understand audiences. Since 2003, he served …
New flu variant hits SoCal, raises concerns among public health experts
Holiday travel is in full swing and flu cases are ramping up. Some experts are worried about a new flu variant making its way to Southern California.
Bengals Dominate Dolphins, 45-21 in Miami: OBI podcast
The Bengals had a big bounce-back win against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Heat's Terry Rozier files motion to dismiss charges in federal sports betting case
Rozier previously pleaded not guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges
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.
Boston health officials issue warning amid 114% spike in flu cases
The city’s flu surge is happening about a month earlier this year, health officials said.
TPUSA’s America Fest Conference Showcased the Right’s Civil War
Prominent conservative influencers and lawmakers sparred at TPUSA's America Fest, it's first major conference since the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Business power broker departs Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
Gale Castillo will remain board chair through the end of December and attend board meetings in an advisory role for another three months, she said.
The iPad-like OnePlus Pad Go 2 is now available for $399 with free stylus or case
The holiday shopping season is just about over, but if you’re still looking for an easy gift — for you...
Boston reports 114% surge in flu cases; Children most affected
Flu-related emergency department visits also increased 44% in that same period of time.
DOJ Document Dump - Inside Politics with Dana Bash and Manu Raju - Podcast on CNN Podcasts
'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' reveals casting for Sulu and Bones
'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' has revealed the casting for two fan-favorites characters that will appear in season 5's finale episode.
Year in review: Trump's economy : The NPR Politics Podcast
As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we look at President Trump's handling of the economy, including his tariff policy.This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Boston health officials urge flu shots as cases jump 114%
Officials said the surge is occurring a month earlier than last flu season, when similar levels were not reached until January.
Inside Gaming: Strip operator extending discounts into 2026
Plus, Atlantic City casinos won more than $236.8 million from gamblers in November, a year-over-year increase of 5.7 percent, according to state regulatory data.
Boston issues flu warning amid dramatic spike in cases
Boston health officials issued a flu warning on Tuesday amid a dramatic spike in cases in the city. The City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commission said in a release that flu cases are surging earlier this year than they did last year, with a recent 114% increase in cases. They said flu related emergency department visits are…
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.
Do the Detroit Lions need big, sweeping changes?
Our latest Detroit Lions podcast episode discusses the Steelers loss and debates what changes are needed in 2026.
Cash rules everything around sports: The K-shaped economy widened gaps between haves, have-nots in 2025
What did we learn in 2025? The K is coming for sports, and we’re not just talking strikeouts.
Durant out, D-Backs cash in, Mercury rise
Arizona sports fans saw surprises, stumbles and standout moments in 2025.
Former WALB reporter inducted into Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
WALB congratulates Pam Oliver on her well-deserved induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
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.
Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Toronto Maple Leafs 12/23/25
Who: Pittsburgh Penguins (15-11-9, 39 points, 7th place Metropolitan Division) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (15-15-5, 35 points, 8th place Atlantic Division) When: 4:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: National broadcast on TNT, HBO Max and truTV Pens’ Path Ahead: Tonight is the last game before the Pens’ holiday break. They’ll look to brighten what has been a tough […]
The culture war is consuming the Supreme Court
The Court’s overall docket is shrinking, even as it hears more and more cases dealing with Republican cultural grievances.
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.
Newcastle seek 'clarification' over Anthony Gordon penalty incident against Chelsea
Manager Eddie Howe says Newcastle "want to know the thought process behind the decision" not to award them a penalty against Chelsea on Saturday.
How the Trump administration is recasting government’s role in regulating health technology
Federal agencies that used to set up guardrails for health technology have transformed into cheerleaders for new risky technologies like AI.
LG Display’s new 240 Hz RGB stripe OLED panel could fix one of OLED’s biggest monitor issues
LG Display is set to showcase the world’s first 240 Hz OLED panel with an RGB stripe pixel structure at CES 2026. The new 27-inch 4K display arranges its red, green, and blue subpixels in a straight line and drops the white subpixel to help improve text clarity and color accuracy.
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.
Entertainment Tidbits
Alec Baldwin says he had suicidal thoughts after prosecutors filed a second charge in the fatal Rust shooting. “The people I was most concerned about, the people that I had the deepest pain for, were my wife and my kids,” he said in a new podcast inter...
Area Events & Entertainment Community Calendar
Dec. 26 – Mattea Joy performs at Sawmill Brewing Company at 5 p.m. Dec. 27 - Phyl Wickham performs at Sawmill Brewing Company at 5 p.m. Dec. 28 - Dig Deep Duo (bluegrass) performs at Sawmill …
Health officials confirm mpox in Anchorage adult who traveled out of state
The Alaska Section of Epidemiology reported no additional cases or evidence of local transmission as of Monday.
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.
Kalamazoo salon owner faces financial uncertainty after car crash damages business
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