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Two US states warned suspension of new tech visas for ...
Move by Florida and Texas could be 'devastating' for research and other sectors experts warn amid concerns bans could spread
Around the MHS
The latest news from around the Military Health System for the week of March 9-13, 2026, includes responsible integration of artificial intelligence into military medicine, honoring Department of War medical leaders and professionals, and tactical training for warfighter readiness.
Kraft Sports, Foxborough reach deal ensuring Gillette World Cup matches move forward
Kraft Sports and Entertainment, the Town of Foxborough, and Boston Soccer 2026 released a statement Wednesday, ensuring that Gillette Stadium will continue to host its 7 designated World Cup games this summer.
Warriors' season sinking under Steph Curry's injury absence, frustrating losses
Steph Curry's injury absence and the Warriors' recent frustrating losses are sinking Golden State's 2025-26 NBA season, Monte Poole writes.
Howard Schultz to leave Seattle as business community bristles over income tax
Even on the dreariest of days, Bob Donegan radiates optimism.
New files show British PM warned of ‘reputational risks’ with Mandelson
More than 100 pages of documents were published which covered the process of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US envoy.
Chinese companies race to hedge against a swinging yuan with regulatory encouragement
Chinese companies have rushed to derivatives for protection from currency exposure as a rising yuan has hurt some exporters for months and - more recently - the war in Iran has ramped up volatility.
John Cornyn's filibuster flip: From the Politics Desk
Plus, how Vladimir Putin could be an unintended winner of the Iran war.
North Star warns judge of ‘drastic cost-cutting measures’ without state funding
North Star Health Alliance, which operates hospitals in Carthage and Ogdensburg and an assisted living facility, may be standing on its last leg.
2026 William T. Pecora Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to individuals or teams using satellite or aerial remote sensing that make outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth (land, oceans, and air), educating the next generation of scientists, informing decision-makers, or supporting natural or human-induced disaster response. Both national and international nominations are welcome.
The toll the war in Iran has on the U.S. economy
The United States’ war in Iran is roiling global oil markets. We discuss how that affects the American economy — not just at the gas pump — and how those economic challenges are playing in this year’s elections.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.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.
NWSL to award its 18th franchise this year, team expected to begin play in 2028
The NWSL opens its 2026 season this weekend with two new teams, the Boston Legacy and the Denver Summit.
A game of pin-the-gas-price-on-the-politician
Oil price spikes spurred by the war in Iran have created a political opportunity for Gavin Newsom.
Latest World & National News & Headlines
USA TODAY delivers current national and local news, sports, entertainment, finance, technology, and more through award-winning journalism, photos, and videos.
Ohio State's Matt Patricia is college football's highest-paid assistant: Buckeyes reward DC after Year 1
Four assistants, including the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator, are set to make at least $3 million next season
macOS 26.4: Four new features are coming to your Mac
macOS Tahoe 26.4 is coming soon as the next software update for your Mac. Here are four new features included in macOS 26.4.
Trump claims ‘we’ve won’ in Iran
President Donald Trump told supporters at a rally in Kentucky today that “we’ve won” the war with Iran, without offering substantial evidence, while he touted an international agreement to release stockpiled oil reserves.
Project Helix alpha development kits to ship in 2027; Xbox mode coming to Windows 11 in April
Microsoft Gaming shared updates on its newly announced next-generation hardware Project Helix during the Xbox Developer Summit keynote address at Game Developer Conference 2026, including that it p…
NH's Harvey among top-3 finalists for Patty Kazmaier award
New Hampshire native and University of Wisconsin defenseman Caroline Harvey was announced on Wednesday as a top-three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award.
Microsoft’s next Xbox, Project Helix, will barely reach alpha by 2027
We’ll have to wait a while for the new Xbox.
Pete Hegseth Sure Knows How to Spend Government Money
$124,000 for ice cream machines? I had no idea our warfighters at the Pentagon had such a sweet tooth.
AHA podcast: Better Teams, Better Mental Health Care
Jeremy Fish, M.D., director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at John Muir Health, and Pilar Corcoran-Lozano, behavioral health corps faculty and supervising psychologist of the co-training program at John Muir Health, discuss how training physicians and behavioral health professionals as a team is improving patient care, strengthening teamwork and expanding access to these vital mental health services.
Gift Card Business and Investment Intelligence Report 2026: Market to Reach $865 Billion by 2030 - KPIs on Market Size, Retail & Corporate Spend, Competitive Landscape, and Consumer Demographics
Key opportunities in the global gift card market include the integration of gift cards into digital wallets and payment platforms, the shift toward programmable spend tools for corporate and B2B gifting, the consolidation into closed-loop ecosystem strategies by retailers to retain spending, and the tightening of fraud and regulation controls reshaping card design and distribution. Gift Card Market Gift Card Market Dublin, March 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Gift Card Business and Investment
Satellite images show strikes turning Iran's vintage F-14s into wrecks
Iran is the only country still flying the F-14 Tomcat, a jet iconized by the 'Top Gun' films. Images from the war show fresh damage to the fleet.
Washington House passes 9.9% ‘millionaires tax’ as business leaders warn of ‘seismic shift’
Some tech leaders and entrepreneurs worry the legislation could undermine their sector by souring Washington’s relatively favorable tax laws for startup founders, investors and high-wage earners.
WHO confirms 18 attacks on healthcare sites in Iran
March 11 () - The World Health Organization said on Wednesday that it has verified 18 attacks on healthcare centers in Iran since the start of the U. and Israel war on Iran on February 28, which has...
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Celebrates Critical Care Teams' AACN Silver Beacon and DAISY Awards for Nursing Excellence - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst today announced it received two distinguished national recognitions honoring its Critical Care and Medical Intensive Care
Best Bookkeeping Software for Small Business (2026): Sage Awarded for Streamlined Recordkeeping by Better Business Advice
Better Business Advice has recognized Sage in its 2026 assessment of the best bookkeeping software for small business, highlighting the platform's structured approach to digital recordkeeping, automation, and financial visibility.
Intel Launches "Arrow Lake Refresh": Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, New Binary Optimization Tool
Intel today announced the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus desktop processors in the Socket LGA1851 package. These chips are drop-in compatible with existing Intel 800-series chipset motherboards, with some boards needing UEFI firmware updates. Both chips are based on the current "A...
USA TODAY Sports Network 2026 All-ACC men's basketball awards, player of the year
Cameron Boozer and Duke basketball took home major honors in the USA TODAY Sports Network's All-ACC awards. Check out the full selections.
USA TODAY Sports Network 2026 All-ACC men's basketball awards, player of the year
Cameron Boozer and Duke basketball took home major honors in the USA TODAY Sports Network's All-ACC awards. Check out the full selections.
SCHOOL POLITICS? SOS Morales touts Club America voter registration effort, but critics are wary
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen March 11, 2026 Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales announced on Tuesday a partnership with Club America, an arm of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, to register Hoosier high school students to vote, but a voter-advocacy group said the collaboration could inject partisanship into what should be a
Inflation was steady in February: CPI rose 2.4%
The new consumer price index report doesn't reflect the oil shock from the ongoing war in Iran.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Thickness and Weight Allegedly Revealed
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than its predecessor, measuring in at 8.8mm, up from 8.75mm on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The information comes from oft-accurate Weibo-based leaker Ice Universe. The claim chimes with a report last year that alleged hardware changes in the iPhone 18 Pro Max will make it the heaviest iPhone yet.
How to Solve One of the Most Expensive Problems in Employer Healthcare
A small share of employees drives a disproportionate share of employer health-care spending: They are patients whose complex conditions go undiagnosed as they cycle through a fragmented care system. A diagnostic-focused “center of excellence” model—such as the Mayo Clinic Complex Care Program—offers a different approach: coordinated, multidisciplinary evaluations that identify the right diagnosis quickly. Evidence from employer claims shows that earlier, accurate diagnoses can improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary procedures, and lower costs by shifting care from repeated testing toward targeted treatment.
Carruth Center offering Mental Health 101 training March 25
Faculty and staff are invited to learn about mental health statistics, warning signs and interventions used to help others who are in distress from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 25 on Zoom.
CERN Science Gateway celebrates its 1000th science show
CERN Science Gateway has reached another milestone: the delivery of its 1000th science show! Since opening its doors in October 2023, Science Gateway has welcomed nearly 900 000 visitors of all ages to explore the fundamental questions of the Universe. Among its most popular activities are the science shows – dynamic, interactive demonstrations led by CERN guides and tailored to a broad audience of different age levels, including school groups, families and the general public. Designed to make complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining, these live shows combine spectacular experiments, multimedia elements and audience participation. From the physics of particle collisions to the properties of superconductivity, electromagnetism and cryogenics, the science shows translate the research carried out at CERN into engaging visual experiences. Visitors might see superconductors levitate, follow particles through different detector layers or discover the beauty in phase transitions. Each demonstration is carefully crafted to spark curiosity while maintaining scientific accuracy. Members of the CERN community are of course warmly invited to visit CERN Science Gateway with their family or friends and attend one of the science shows. To register, please visit this page, and don’t forget to check the programme for the coming days. Become a CERN guide and run your own super-cool science show (and more)! To become a CERN guide, you can join the introduction course held every 3–4 weeks, which will give you an overview of what being a CERN guide entails. From there, further courses are available depending on what type of guide you would like to be. Because, of course, CERN guides are needed everywhere at CERN. If you imagine yourself as a more ‘traditional’ guide, you should know that there are currently more than ten exciting visit points in CERN’s visits portfolio, such as the Antimatter Factory, the ALICE experiment (surface), the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) control room, the ATLAS experiment (surface), the CERN Control Centre (CCC), the Data Centre, the LHCb experiment (surface), the Synchrocyclotron (SC), the SM18 test facility and the newly inaugurated Linac2 visit point. Indeed, CERN’s Visits Service and Visual Impact and Exhibitions Section recently collaborated on redesigning the Linac2 visit tour, which has just reopened to the public after several months of renovation work. The new tour offers visitors and guides alike an enriched, more immersive experience, designed to highlight the history and scientific significance of this major facility. So, fancy becoming one of the insiders? Join the introduction course, check the guides website or contact guides.manager@cern.ch. And remember, becoming a guide can benefit you, too.
Latest World & National News & Headlines
USA TODAY delivers current national and local news, sports, entertainment, finance, technology, and more through award-winning journalism, photos, and videos.
Casualties and the Cost of War | WSJ Politics Blog for March 11
Plus, the U.S. and Israel at odds over how long the war should last, an erroneous tweet by the energy secretary, and Ireland changes tack for St Patrick’s Day.
National Write Your Congressman Q1 2026 Index: Small Business Owners Call for Congressional Action on Spending, Regulatory Relief and Tariffs
National Write Your Congressman (NWYC), an organization that gives small businesses a voice in government, released its Q1 2026 Index, highlighting small business sentiment toward Congress, the U.S. economy, and federal policies affecting business.
Xbox hardware teased at GDC, just one week after PC/console hybrid Project Helix was first confirmed
Microsoft has posted a set of photos giving us a small teaser for some unspecified work-in-progress Xbox hardware.
'It's bigger than us': Texas A&M star discusses postseason hopes
Texas A&M star forward Rylan Griffen discusses the Aggies' postseason implications heading into March Madness.
House Republicans confront Iran war and gas prices as they struggle to push economic agenda
Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team have been struggling to find consensus behind an election-year agenda to address Americans’ chief concerns over affordability and their cost-of-living.
PlayStation Plus Extra February games for March leak
It seems that PlayStation's upcoming PS Plus Extra games for March have leaked.
Haleon Strengthens Commitment to China as Consumers Focus on Better Everyday Health
SHANGHAI, March 11, 2026--Haleon, a consumer company that is solely focused on better everyday health, is investing £65 million in a new state-of-the-art oral health manufacturing site in Shanghai. The facility will support the expansion of its oral care portfolio – which includes the global brands Sensodyne and parodontax – into China’s fast-growing tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where rising incomes, growing awareness of everyday health and a shift towards trusted, branded products are reshaping co
Infantino insists Trump has assured him Iran are ‘welcome’ to play at 2026 World Cup
Donald Trump has said Iran are ‘welcome’ to play at the upcoming World Cup, despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, according to Fifa’s president
Democrats Warn of ‘No Endgame’ after Classified Iran War Briefing
Several Democratic lawmakers in the United States Senate say they are increasingly concerned about the direction of the war with Iran.
IndyStar named one of country's top sports departments in APSE contest
IndyStar won 13 APSE awards, including a triple crown
Trump to visit Ohio and Kentucky to discuss the war's impact on the economy
This trip marks the first time this primary cycle that Trump has sought to keep promises to punish members of his own party who oppose him on key issues.
Fake explosions, fake missiles, fake troops: AI videos and images of Iran war spread widely on social media
Fake videos and images depicting fake attacks and fake troops have racked up tens of millions of views on social media platforms in the nearly two weeks since the Iran war began.
'2 great states with great Americans' Why Trump is visiting Cincinnati
Amid increased gas prices, an erratic stock market and a war in Iran, President Donald Trump is coming to Greater Cincinnati today.
Top 10 things to do St. Patrick's Day warmup weekend
From the St. Patrick's Day parade to a Heart Mini-Marathon, here are 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend.
Trump to visit Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist
President Donald Trump is visiting Ohio and Kentucky as he tries to steady voters’ concerns about the economy and to derail the reelection bid of a Republican rival
Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026 Recognizes America’s Top Young Scientists, Awarding More Than $1.8 Million to High School Seniors for Innovative Research in Computational Mathematics, Neural Science, and Blood Cancer Treatment
$250,000 top award goes to Connor Hill in America’s longest running and most distinguished science and math competition Top $250,000 Regeneron Science Talent Search Winner Named Regeneron and Society for Science announced that Connor Hill, 17, of State College, Pennsylvania, won the top award of $250,000 in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), a program of Society for Science. TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and WASHINGTON, March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Societ
Grizzlies give up another double digit lead, lose to 76ers
Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies hung tough in Philadelphia. Then the fourth quarter happened.
'People feel betrayed.' Joe Rogan slams Trump's 'insane' Iran war.
Trump appeared on Rogan’s popular podcast in 2024, and Rogan endorsed him on the day before the election.
How Trump and His Advisers Miscalculated Iran’s Response to War
In the lead-up to the U.S.-Israeli attack, President Trump downplayed the risks to the energy markets as a short-term concern that should not overshadow the mission to decapitate the Iranian regime.
A massive asteroid hit the North Sea and triggered a 330-foot tsunami
A long-running debate about the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea has finally been resolved. Scientists now confirm it formed when a roughly 160-meter asteroid struck the seabed about 43–46 million years ago. New seismic imaging and rare shocked minerals in rock samples provided the crucial proof. The impact would have sent a massive plume skyward and unleashed a tsunami over 100 meters (330 feet) high.
Ocean warming may supercharge a tiny microbe that controls marine nutrients
As deep-sea waters warm, scientists expected trouble for the microbes that help keep ocean chemistry in balance. Instead, researchers found that Nitrosopumilus maritimus can adapt to warmer, iron-limited conditions by using iron more efficiently. Because these microbes control key nitrogen reactions that support marine life, their adaptability could help sustain ocean productivity. In a warming world, they may play an even bigger role in shaping marine nutrient cycles.
Steelers give Cam Heyward new contract
The Steelers and Cam Heyward have come to terms on a deal before the start of the league year.
Business owners picking up the pieces after massive NW Miami-Dade warehouse fire
Business owners are dealing with the aftermath of a massive fire that tore through a warehouse in northwest Miami-Dade, leaving many without the equipment and inventory they rely on to make a living.
WATCH: U.S. seems 'on a path' to deploying ground troops in Iran, Blumenthal says after classified briefing
“I am left with more questions than answers, especially about the cost of the war,” Blumenthal told reporters after the briefing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
MidEast conflict could hurt Chinese business
Analysts say China may benefit geopolitically from a prolonged Iran war, but it could start to feel the pain economically.
Missiles, Memes and Masculinity: When the White House Turns War Into Entertainment
A White House video turning missile strikes into an action-movie montage reveals how militarism, pop culture and hypermasculinity collide in war.
Trump Tries to Sidestep Blame for Any Civilian Deaths in Iran
The president and the Pentagon have cast blame on Iran for the mounting toll. More than 1,800 people have died in the war, including many civilians.
War with Iran fuels Russian oil boom — and trouble for Ukraine
War with Iran drives oil prices higher, boosting Russian energy revenues and shifting global attention from Ukraine as Moscow gains economic leverage.
The Memo: Hazy messaging deepens Trump’s political challenges on Iran
Turbulence in President Trump’s messaging on the war in Iran has deepened this week, with the commander-in-chief and his aides toggling between implying the conflict could be nearing a close and st…
Ford launches new AI to grow multibillion-dollar Pro commercial business
Ford CEO Jim Farley last month said diversifying Pro's revenue — specifically in software — is a crucial growth area for the company.
Amazon tightens code guardrails after outages rock retail business
Internal documents obtained by Business Insider show how Amazon is reacting to a series of recent outages related to software coding issues.
Malcolm X College to hold its first ever Health Equity Summit on March 18 & 19
“Malcolm X College is proud to convene leaders, students, educators, and community members for our inaugural Health Equity Summit as we work together to confront the health disparities affecting communities across Chicago. By centering collaboration and the voices of those most impacted we are creating space for meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions that can transform health outcomes,” said Dr. David Sanders, president of Malcolm X College. “We envision this summit becoming an annual catalyst for partnership, learning, and sustained progress toward a stronger and healthier Chicago for all.”
What to watch for in the Georgia special election: From the Politics Desk
Plus, new polling shows voters are wary of AI.
Suspended NOAA satellite chief warns of threats to federal science programs
The head of NOAA’s satellite unit, on administrative leave for months, warned that workforce reductions and cuts have “lobotomized” the federal government.
Trump’s Shifting Timeline for How Long the Iran War Will Last
Now 11 days into an expanding military campaign, President Trump and his officials have given conflicting indications on when the United States intends to end the war.
Mike Johnson sounds alarm on 'serious' threat of Sharia law in America
Speaker Mike Johnson says the threat of Sharia law in America is a “serious problem," warning its tenets run afoul of the U.S. Constitution.
Can Trump run a war and a midterm campaign at the same time?
The push-and-pull between the Iran conflict and the November elections is contributing to mixed messages now and difficult choices ahead.
Senate Moves Toward Passing Sweeping Housing Bill, but Challenges Lie Ahead
The legislation’s progress is all the more surprising because it addresses an issue that is shaping up to be the main battleground of the midterm elections: affordability. The effort could still stall.
Polls show what Americans think about the war in Iran
Americans are divided along party lines on U.S. military action against Iran, according to polls conducted since the war began.
Iran war: Israel's president Herzog calls 'cost' for business the price for Middle East peace
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the war against Iran is enabling people there "to rise up" against its repressive ruling regime.
Iran's blockade of Strait of Hormuz sends oil prices soaring
Donald Trump says the Iran war may be over soon. But the US President also threatened to escalate attacks if Iran doesn't let tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Around the world, consumer fuel prices have soared.
Does Trump even know what’s happening in Iran?
President Donald Trump has often had a complicated relationship with the truth, but it’s striking to see that play out in the context of a war.
Why Vladimir Putin may be the big winner from Trump's Iran war
Russia “gains new resources to finance its war against Ukraine as energy prices rise,” European Council President António Costa said. “It profits from the diversion of military capabilities.”
RWJBarnabas Health Mobile Health Receives Always Ready for Children Award
The New Jersey Department of Health and EMS for Children recently presented the Always Ready for Children Award to RWJBarnabas Health Mobile Health. This recognition is part of a national initiative aimed at reducing pediatric death and disability both in the prehospital settings and within hospitals.
US intelligence community ramps up warnings of possible retaliatory attacks by Iran
The US intelligence community has issued a flurry of private warnings in the past week to American companies and government agencies urging vigilance and the hardening of possible targets of cyber attack by the Iranian regime in response to the war with Tehran, according to national security sources and memos reviewed by CNN.
‘Black rain’ in Iran prompts WHO health warning
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday warned that strikes on Iranian oil depots causing “black rain” could lead to respiratory problems as toxic pollutants disperse through the…
With U.S. at war with Iran, political upheaval could hit World Cup
Conflict between the U.S. and Iran threatens to put politics at the center of the 2026 World Cup instead of soccer's most prestigious showcase.
Why is Trump gamifying the war in Iran?
The White House is posting ‘video-game vibe’ content to promote US success in the Middle East conflict
The Startup Trying a New Trick to Develop AI For Science Discovery
OpenAI and Anthropic have raised tens of billions of dollars on the promise of artificial intelligence that can make new discoveries in fields like medicine, biology and physics. And yet,we’re nowhere close to that. (You might recall this awkward moment from last fall when a ChatGPT-generated ...
Warlord On ‘Brink Of Ruin’ After Business Plummets Due To Former Chef’s Abusive Behavior: Lawsuit
Co-owners Emily Kraszyk and John Lupton are suing Trevor Fleming, claiming the former star chef’s conduct has resulted in $1.4 million in lost revenue for the Avondale restaurant. Fleming faces charges of sharing explicit photos of a woman without her consent.
Debra Lee to Receive Icon Award at Black Women in Entertainment Honors (EXCLUSIVE)
Former BET chairman and CEO Debra Lee will receive the Icon Award at the inaugural Black Women in Entertainment honors ceremony. Black Women in Entertainment is a national network and inclusive collec...
Debra Lee to Receive Icon Award at Black Women in Entertainment Honors (EXCLUSIVE)
Former BET chairman and CEO Debra Lee will receive the Icon Award at the inaugural Black Women in Entertainment honors ceremony. Black Women in Entertainment is a national network and inclusive collec...
Nordic Semiconductor introduces precise, adaptive battery health-monitoring to enable smarter, longer-lasting IoT devices
Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, today announces Nordic Fuel Gauge v2.0, a major upgrade of its highly accurate software-based fuel gauge solution for the award-winning nPM1300, and nPM1304 Power Management ICS, at Embedded World 2026. The release adds sophisticated State-of-Health estimation, adaptive battery modeling, and long-term fleet analytics capabilities, extending advanced battery management to a wide range of power-constrained IoT prod
WHO warns of health risks from 'black rain' in Iran
The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that the "black rain" falling in Iran after strikes on oil facilities could cause respiratory problems, and it backed Iran’s advisory urging people to remain indoors.
Mental health solutions for the digital age
Ask the digital natives of Gen Z about the source of their biggest mental health challenges, and most will say social media and AI.Several of the nearly 400 guests at the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit, presented by the Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council at UCLA on March 8, explicitly named the endless stream of content on their phones as serious stressors. “Everybody is addicted to (Tik Tok) as if they were addicted to substances,” said Jantin Asmar, 17, a senior at Virtual Academy in Antelope Valley. “We’re always chasing that dopamine. We’re expecting that dopamine rush and it’s really decaying our interactions with others.” High school student Jantin Asmar was among nearly 400 people who attended the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) Even young teens feel pressure to be on social media constantly, both to consume content and collect “likes,” said 13-year-olds Chloe and Sophia, both students at Brentwood School. “Everyone’s always on, and you miss stuff if you’re not on it,” Chloe said, adding that social media’s emphasis on appearances is leading to eating disorders: “That’s a big thing for our generation.”The incessant influx of images and updates creates expectations that “weigh teenagers down,” said Linda Kou, 16, a junior at San Gabriel High School.Even though digital spaces allow people to connect with others beyond their immediate surroundings, it doesn’t always translate to real-life community, said Kelah Morgan, 17, a senior at Animo South Los Angeles Charter High School. High school students Kelah Morgan, left, and Linda Kou, shared about the challenges presented by social media. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) “Even if you see people saying that they relate to you online, it might be hard to find people in your personal life who you see every day who you feel comfortable enough to say, ‘You see me online, but this is me in real life and what I’m actually going through,’” she said.Solutions for our digital timesThe Gen Z Wellness Summit was intentionally designed as a free, in-person gathering where young people interested in mental health from across the southland could meet in person. “Peer support is the most important element of maintaining our mental health in community,” said Helena Hansen, MD, PhD, director of UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.Keynote speakers at the summit addressed AI, social connection and self-empowerment, while breakout sessions included discussions about eating disorders, dating, substance use, phone detox and breathwork. Here are some of the day’s top takeaways:Beware of FOPO: Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, a psychology professor at Columbia University, said that rather than FOMO, or fear of missing out, we ought to be more aware of FOPO: fear of people’s opinions. “Just think about how much your FOPO might be holding you back in your life,” Dr. Kaufman said. “And just that inner contemplation should be enough for you to change your life, because there’s so many things we don’t go after because we have debilitating FOPO.”We don’t need to feel like we’re the best – or what he called “narcissistic self-esteem” – but it’s helpful to acknowledge our own worth, recognize our good qualities and develop self-belief in the skills and talents we’ve cultivated. When we have that – dignity and self-respect, without needing everyone to like us – FOPO is less of a concern.Self-reflection is most effective in community: “When we try to self-reflect alone, we sometimes ruminate,” said Ira Bedzow, PhD, executive director of the Emory University Purpose Project. “But when we self-reflect with people that we trust … (it) allows us to hold ourselves accountable to different ways of seeing and different ways of hearing and different ways of being.”Opening up about our experiences and listening to others are skills we can develop, Dr. Bedzow said.He invited students to participate in what he called a “fishbowl exercise,” where four students sat in a small circle, surrounded by a dozen or so students forming a larger circle. Those in the inner circle answered such questions as: “What stops you from being you today?” and “What helps you feel most like you?”Within minutes, the group in the small circle (the fishbowl), were sharing intimately about their life challenges as those in the outer circle nodded in understanding.After the exercise, one participant said, “I felt like I wasn’t alone, that it wasn’t just me who feels that way.”Another remarked on how “personal” it felt to share face-to-face with others, even strangers.Don’t let AI crush your creativity: Theoretical neuroscientist Vivienne Ming, PhD, has been studying artificial intelligence for more than 20 years. And while she said “it’s reasonable to be concerned” about the fast-growing technology, it can also help humans become better problem-solvers when used strategically.“The smartest thing on the planet today are humans and machines working together creatively,” Dr. Ming said. “What gets more valuable in humans as machines get smarter? Our ability to explore the unknown.“Your unique voice is literally your value to the world … but most of us for most of our lives have been taught to not be unique,” she continued. “Be your own person. Celebrate being different. It is genuinely, measurably, truly valuable.”In a breakout session called “Phone Detox? IYKYK: Living Your Story IRL” led by Don Grant, PhD, students shared their frustrations with AI compromising academic work, art and creativity.“Art is a translation of human experience,” one participant said. “When people use AI, they diminish their own human experience.”Dr. Grant urged them, as “the last generation to remember a world before AI,” to remember the power of imagination and creativity – and to act on it.Remember that social media distorts perceptions: Stuart B. Murray, PhD, PsyD, who directs the Eating Disorders Program and Translational Research in Eating Disorders Program at UCLA, asked the students in his breakout session to take a spontaneous selfie and edit it to conform with society’s beauty standards. All 20 girls in the room immediately got to work, thickening their hair, slimming their faces, plumping their lips.“The pressure to look like what we present on social media can be crippling,” Dr. Murray said. “We now know that social media use is part of a causal pathway into an eating disorder.”Adolescents and young adults are most at risk of developing an eating disorder, he said, with one in three students on college campuses exhibiting clinically meaningful eating-disorder symptoms. More than 4 million people in California will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.Even for those who don’t develop anorexia or bulimia, the ubiquity of modified images online distorts what we consider normal, making us feel worse about ourselves. Remembering that, he and other speakers said, might inspire us to log off occasionally and spend time in the real world with people who love us as we are.
The US in Brief: The president’s warning to Republicans
The latest news in US politics, with coverage of Donald Trump’s second term
All politics is local
War in Iran aside, Senator and gubernatorial candidate Tuberville was bullish on Huntsville in his remarks Monday.